ifRil!8fl 


flfHf! 





Book_AAL 



Mo. VI. 



EARLY RECORDS 



OF THE 



TOWN OF WORCESTER. 



Book I. 1722 - 1739. 




WORCESTER, MASS.: 

THE WORCESTER SOCIETY OF ANTIQUITY. 

1879. 



u. s. A., ciir. 



UU t^ 



C.- 



EARLY RECORDS 



OF THE 



TOWN OF WORCESTER, 



Book I. 1722 - 1739. 




^ WORCESTER, MASS. : 
THE WORCESTER SOCIETY OF ANTIQUITY 

1879. 

u. s. A., cm. 



Fr^ 



EDITION : 
TWO HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIVE COPIES. 




f f)!* l|(irfi?^Ut ^Httig of ^ntiqiiitg. 

In Executive Committee. 
Worcester, Afass., y^^h' 5^ ^^79- 

By virtue of a vote passed at a regular meeting of The Worcester 
Society of Antiquity, May 6, 1879, authorizing the Executive Com- 
mittee to cause to be published the first volume of the Records of 
the Town of Worcester, it is Ordered, that Franklin P. Rice be, 
and he hereby is, authorized to edit and publish for The Worces- 
ter Society of Antiquity, the first book of the Records of Worcester, 
the same to be entitled "Early Records of the Town of Worcester", 
and numbered VI. of the publications of the Society. 

CLARK JILLSON. 
ELLERY B. CRANE, 
ALBERT CURTIS, 
DANIEL SEAGRAVE, 
JAMES A. SMITH. 

Executive Committee. 



ERR A TA. 



Page 17. line 22, for Alisha read Ahisha. 

Page 22. line 7 from bottom, for Hamilton read Hamhleion. 

Page 87. line 9. second column, for xVbraham read Absalom. 






^i 



Ci''^ 



COLLECTIONS 



-<(f(OF THE))> 



MorrpstFF Koriptg of JSinfiqulfg, 



VOLUME 11. 




WOUCESTEK, MASS. : 
rUELlSIIED BY THE SOCIETY. 

IH.Sl. 
U. S. A. CV. 

L 






i)50b 




CONTENTS. 



J^arh- Records of tlie Town of Worcester, Book I. 1722-1739. 

Proceedings of The Worcester Society of Antiqnity, for the 3'ear 
1879. 

Early Records of the Town of Worcester, Book II. 1740-1753. 

Proceedings of The Worcester Society of Antiqnit}', for the year 

1<S<S0. 



PREFACE 



In publishing this First Book of the Records of Worcester,* it 
has been my endeavor to present in print a faithful transcript ot 
the written volume, preserving the orthography, and so far as was 
possible, the other peculiarities of the original. The following 
pages comprise all the matter in the manuscript excepting the 
warrants, the majority of which contain nothing of importance 
not repeated in substance in the proceedings of the meetings, and 
the printing of them would have largely increased the size and 
expense of the work. They were carefully scanned, however, and 
extracts embodying articles of which no record of action ap- 
pears, curious passages, or other matter of interest, are frequently 
given in the text or in foot-notes. A few brief notes of explanation 
have been added, but the limits of the work and the peculiar 
circumstances attending its production, precluded much elabor- 
ation in this respect. The proofs have in all cases been com- 
pared with the original, and it is thought that few errors will be 
found. 

To the several members of The Worcester Society of Antiquity 
who have manifested a kindly interest in the work, and afforded ma- 
terial assistance in its preparation, I desire to express my thanks, — 
particularly to Mr. Albert A. Lovell, who copied the records and 
contributed in many ways to the success of the undertaking ; to 

* The Records of Worcester are complete and continuous from the for- 
mation of the town in 1722 to its incorporation as a city in 1848. They are 
well preserved and for the most part legibly written; and are divided into 
seven volumes as follows : — Vol. i. 1722-39; vol. 11. 1740-53; vol. ill. 

1754-7^; vol. IV, 1774-96; vol. v. I796-1819; vol. VI. 1820-38; vol. VII. 

1838-48. The records of the Proprietors from 1674 to 1788. are also pre- 
served in one volume of 275 pages, containing about 300 maps and plans. 



4 Preface. 

Samuel E. Staples, Esq., who supplied the index, a work of no 
Httle labor ; and to the Hon. Clark Jillson for friendly aid and 
counsel. I am also indebted to the venerable Rev. George Allen, 
whose remarkable memory and clear judgment have been of ser- 
vice in almost every local literary enterprise for the last half cent- 
ury ; and to Willlam S. Barton, Esq., with whom I have frequently 
conferred in relation to doubtful passages in the manuscript. Ac- 
knowledgements are due E. H. Towne, Esq., City Clerk, for his 
kindness in allowing the records to be copied, and for the free ac- 
cess given to them during the period of their publication. 

The production of this volume has involved, so far as the writer 
is concerned, a considerable expenditure of labor and patience ; 
but he derives satisfaction from the thought that he has placed 
beyond the probability of destruction, a portion of the annals of 
the town. 

Franklin P. Rice. 

September, iSjg. 



INTRODUCTION. 



Worcester was first settled in the year 1674, and was then knowh 
as Quinsigamond. At this time six or seven buildings were erect- 
ed ; but the breaking out of King Philip's war the succeeding year 
caused them to be abandoned and they were destroyed by the 
enemy. In 1684 the place was incorporated under the name of 
Worcester, and a settlement made which progressed for a number 
of years. The history preserved of this second settlement is very 
meager and unsatisfactory : it failed however, from the same causes 
that affected the former attempt. In 1702, hostilities with the In- 
dians having been renewed, the settlers in their isolated situation, 
fearing a general massacre, deserted their homes and the fruits of 
their labor, and the town once more fell into decay. 

The next ten years being a period of unrest on the frontier, no 
effort was made by the owners to reclaim their possessions. In 
I 713, ailairs having assumed a more favorable aspect, Jonas Rice, a 
former resident, returned, and laid the permanent foundation of our 
present prosperous and beautiful city by taking up his abode here 
with his family. For more than a year they remained the only 
inhabitants, undergoing the privations and braving the dangers of 
the wilderness. In i 715 they were joined by Gershom Rice, broth- 
er of Jonas, and Nathaniel Moore, names familiar in the history of 
the town ; and these were soon followed by others. From this 
time the population rapidly increased, and the success and perma- 
nency of the settlement were assured. Houses were built ; roads 
were opened ; saw and grist mills erected and put in operation ; 
and in the course of time the place assumed the appearance of a 
busy and thriving town. In 171 7 a meeting house was built. In 
1 718 the inhabitants numbered two hundred souls with fifty-eight 



6 Introduction. 

dwellings. The Rev. Andrew Gardner was settled as the first min- 
ister in 1 719. 

Up to this time the settlers had been governed by the proprietors' 
committee, under a method attended with much inconvenience, 
and which was now found to be inadequate to the increased re- 
quirements of the growing town. Some time after the settlement 
of Mr. Gardner, unhappy differences arose between him and his 
people, greatly disturbing the peace and harmony of the commu- 
nity ; and much effort was lost in vain attempts to adjust these 
difficulties. Under the circumstances home government became 
an imperative necessity; and during the years 172 1-2, several 
petitions were forwarded to the General Court, praying that the 
inhabitants of Worcester be allowed to assume direction of their 
own affairs. Accordingly in June 1722, the following Resolve 
passed the Legislature : — 

Resolved, — That the inhabitants of Worcester be vested with the 
powers and privileges of other towns within this Province ; and that 
it be earnestly recommended to that Council only of the seven 
churches which did meet at Worcester in September 1 721, to whom 
the contending parties submitted their differences relating to the 
Rev. Mr. Andrew Gardner, that the said Council proceed and go 
to Worcester on or before the first Wednesday in September next, 
to finish what is further necessary to be done for the procuring and 
establishing of peace in the said town, according to the submission 
of the parties ; and that the freeholders and inhabitants of Worces- 
ter be assembled on the last Wednesday in September next, at ten 
o'clock in the forenoon, to choose all town officers as by law ac- 
customed for towns to do at their annual meeting in March ; and 
that at the opening of the meeting, they first proceed to the choice 
of a moderator by written votes. 

June 14, 1722. Consented to, 

Sam'l Shute, Governor. 

In accordance with the above resolve and by authority of a war- 
rant issued by Francis Fullam, Esq. of Weston, a meeting was con- 
vened on the day above named, and the first election of town offi- 
cers took place as recorded. 



EARLY RECORDS 



EARLY RECOEDS 



OF THE 



Town of Worcester. 



A Warrant from Justice: Fullam. 

Middlesex, ss. 

To Messrs. Lieu' Jonas Rice & Lieu' Henry Lee, botli of Wor- 
cester, in y'' County of Middlesix, (Greeting : 

Whereas the Great & General Court of this liis Majesties Prov- 
ince of y*" Massachusetts Bay in New England, at their sessions Held 
at Boston y*^ last Wednesday in May, 1722 : 

Resolved That the Lihabitents of Worcester be vested with the 
Powers & Privilidges of y'' other T'owns within this Province ^ y' 
y*" freeholders & Lihabitents of y'' T'own of Worcester be assembled 
on y*" last Wednesday of September 1722 at Ten of y'' Clock in y* 
forenoon to (diuse all Town Ofticers as by Law accustomed for 
Towns to Do at their annual meetings in March and that at y^ open- 
ing of the meeting thay first proceed to the Choice of a modrator 
by written Votes, as to me the Subscriber of Record apears. 

And being this Day Reriuested & Desired by messrs. Ciershom 
Rice, fonas Rice, NaUi" Moore, Henry Lee, Moses Lenard, To 
Grant a warrant for the Notifying & assembling y'' freeholders <S: 
Lihabitents accordingly. 

These are therfore Li His Majesties Name Persuant to y'' Said 
Resolve of y'' (General Court to will and Require you y'' above named 
Jonas Rice & Henry Lee forthwith to warn & give Notice at Least 
fourteen Days before y*" time Perfixt for S'' meeting to all y" free- 
holders iS: other Lihal)itents of Said Town of Worcester (Qualified 



lo Early Records. [1722. 

according to Law to vote In Said Town affairs to meet at y*" Pub- 
lick meeting house in Worcester on the Last Wednesday of Sep- 
tember 1722 at Ten of y" Clock in y'^ forenoon to Chuse all Town 
Officers as by Law accustomed for Towns to Do at their Annual 
meetings in March. The Modrator to be first Chosen at y'' open- 
ing of y*" meeting by written votes. The Other Town Officers to 
Serve for S'' Town untill some time in the Month of March Next 
Ensuing y'^ Deate hearof. iS: make Return of this warrant with 
your Doings hearin imder your hand to M'' Gershom Rice one of 
the freeholders & Principle Inhabitents of Said Town at or before 
the time perfixt for S"* meeting for which this shall be }'our Suffi- 
ciant warrant fail not at your Perril. 

Given under my hand and Seal at Weston the 7"' Day of Sep- 
tember in y'' Ninth Year of His Majesties Reign Anno Domini 1722. 

Fra Fullam justice of Peace. 

In observance of this warrant we have warned the freeholders &: 
other Inhabitents Qualified as the Law Directs to meet and As- 
semble at time and place within mentioned. 

Jonas Rice. 

Henry Lee. 



At a Meeting of freeholders & other Inhabitents of Worcester 
orcferly warned & met on y*^ Last Wednesday of September 1722 
to chuse all Town Officers as the Law Directs 

at Said meeting Decon Danil Heywood was Chosen Modrator. 

Gershom Rice. 
Voted at S*^ meeting to Chuse five Select men & no more. 

Danil Heywood, modtr. 
at Said meeting Nath" Moore, Nath" Jones, Benj^ Flag, Jonas 
Rice & John Gray wear Chosen Selectmen. 

Danil Heywood, modratr. 
at S*^ meeting Jonas Rice was Chosen Town Clark. 

Danil Heywood, modrtr. 

at S'' meeting Nath" Jones, Jonas Rice & Henry Lee wear cho- 

,sen Assessors. Danil Heywood, modratr. 

at S*^ meeting Jonatlian moore & John Hubbard wear Chosen 

Constables. Danil Heywood, modrtr. 



1722.] Town of Worcester. 11 

at S'^ meeting Danil Heywootl was Chosen Town Tresurcr. 

Danil Heyvvood, modcator. 

at S'' meeting Danil Biglo '& Tliomas Haggit wear Chosen Sur- 

veyers of highways. ' ' Danil Heywood, niodr. 

at S'' meeting James Holdin & Jacob Holmes wear Chosen 

Tythingmen. Danil Heywood, motlr. 

at S'' meeting william Cray ec Richard ward wear Chosen fence 

Viuers. Danil Heywootl, modrat. 

at S'' meeting Nath" Moore was Chosen Clark of y'' markit. 

Danil Heywood, modratr. 
at S'' meeting John Cray was Chosen Sealor of Lether. 

Danil Heywood, modr. 
at S'' meeting Robert Peobles & Aaron Adams Chosen hogreefs. 

Danil Heywood, modr. 
the officers above Named of whome an Oath is Required by Law 
wear all Sworn to y'' Faithful Dischard of their office in the pres- 
ents of the major part of the Selectmen. Jonas Rice, T. Clark. 



at a meeting of the Selectmen October 12"' 1722, Concluded 
that the Contrey Road Shall be the Line between the Constables 
from Leicester to halfway River. cS: from thence Said River to be 
the Line till it Coms to millbrook. thence S'' brook to be the Line 
till it Coms up to the contrey Road then the Road to be the Line 
to Shrewsbury & to be known by the names of South & North 
Presinct. 



at a meeting of the Inhabitcnts of Worcester orderly warned &: 
met on October 19"' : i 722. at s'' meeting Nath" Jones was Chosen 
modrator. Jonas Rice, Town Clark. 

at s'^ meeting Decon Danil Heywood, Henry Lee, John Hub- 
bard, James How c\; Jonas Rice wear Chosen to adjust accounts 
with the Rev'' Mr. .Andrew Gardner for his Leabours in y'' work ot 
the work of y" ministry and make Return to the Town. 

Nath" Jones, modrator. 

Granted by the Town at S'' meeting that there be Ten i)ounds 
money Leveyed upon the Inhal)itents of Worcester for the Supi)orl 
of the Publick worship of (iod in S'' Town. Nath" Jones, modrator. 



12 Early Records. [1722. 

Voted at S'' meeting that Decon Danil Heywood, Henry Lee, 
Moses Lenard, James How & John Stearns be a Comitte to provid 
a Suply for the Pullpit for the present. Nath" Jones, modrator. 

Voted at S** meeting y' the Selectmen Do forthwith make En- 
quiriery what Books there are in the hands of the former Clark that 
properly [are] y' Towns & Receive the Same & Deliver them to 
y*' Town Clark. Nath" Jones, modrator. 

Voted that it be Left to the Selectmen to provid Standerds for 
the Clark of the markitt and to provid a pound according to Law 
on or before the first Day of March next Ensuing. 

Nath" Jones, modrator. 



at a meeting of the Inhabitents of Worcester on the Last Wed- 
nesday of October, 1722. Jonas Rice was Chosen modrator. 

Voted at S'' meeting that the Town Do Secure to the Rev'' Mr. 
Andrew Gardner his Temporal Intrest, according to the advice 
and Result of the Council : & y*" Vote of y*" propriators of Land in 
Worcester. Jonas Rice, modrator. 

Voted at S'^ meeting that the Revrend m'. Andrew Gardner be 
Dismest from his ministerial office in Worcester according to advice 
of the Council. Jonas Rice, modrator. 

at a meeting of the Inhabitents of Worcester on the Last Wed- 
nesday of October, 1722. Voted that a notification posted up on 
y'" meeting house Doore under y'^ hand of an officer be a Suffi- 
ciant warning of a Town meeting for the futer. 

Jonas Rice, modrator. 



at a meeting of y*" Selectmen, Nov. 6, 1722. 

at y'" Recjuest of James knap to lay out a highway from y" Con- 
trey Road to said knaps house Lott. 

at S'' meeting Concluded by y*" Selectmen that a highway of 4 
Rods wide be Layd out beginning at y'' Contrey Road by Lieu'. 
Lees house. So by the East End of S'' Lees Land to Benj" Flags 
Land & So thrugh S'' Flags & Isaac Millers Land by marks to 
y' Land of James Knap, y" highway being on y'" westrly side of 
y" marks, also through James Knaps t^' James millers Land to y* 



1723.] Town of Worcester. 13 

Land of Coll. Adam ^\'inthroI) by a gray oake I'ree markt standing 

near Coll. Winthrops Land. 

Nath' Jones, \ 

John Gjfl.y, [- Selectmen. 

Jonas Rice. ) 



At a meeting of the Selectmen of Worcester, Janu''. 29 : 1722-3. 
agreed with Lei' Henry Lee to Beiuld a sufticiant pound for Re- 
claiming of onruly beasts, s'' pound to be Thirty three feet Square 
and Seven feet high : of gootl white oake posts of Light Inches 
deep & 6 inches thik : and good oake Rails of 2 inches thik & 6 
inches broad at y" Least, all to be Don workman Like at or be- 
fore y"' first Day of March next Ensuing y*" Date hearof : S'" pound 
to be Erected near y*' meeting house whear y*' Selectmen Shall 
apoint : for which y'^ S'' Lee is to Recive of y'' Town of Worcester 
Six pounds money. 

Worcester, Janu'' 29 : 1722-3. Henry Lee. 

Nath' Jones, \ 

Jonas Rice, r Selectmen. 

Nath' moore. ) 



At a meeting of the Lihabitents of Worcester on the first mon- 
day of March, 1722-3 : to Chuse all Town officers as the Law Di- 
rects, at said meeting Nat" Jones was Chosen moderator. 

at said meeting Cap' Nath' Jones, Benj" Flagg, Henry Lee, John 
Hubburd and Benj'' Flagg Junior were Chosen Select men. 

Nat" Jones, moderator, 
at said meeting Benj'' Flagg Junior was Chosen Town Clerk. 

Na" Jones, moderator, 
at said meeting ("ap*. Nath' Jones, Henry Lee and Benj'' Flagg 
Junir, were Chosen assessors. Na" Jones, motlerator. 

at said meeting James Rice and Zepheniah were Chosen Con- 
stables, and Both Refiised to serve as Constal)les. 

Na" Jones, moderator, 
at said meeting Henry Lee was Chosen Town Treasurer. 

Na" Jones, moderator. 



14 Early Records. [1723. 

at Said meeting James Hamilton and James Knap were Chosen 
Surveyers. Nal' Jones, moderator. 

at Said meeting James Moore and John Killogth were Chosen 
Tything men. Na" Jones, moderator. 

at Said meeting andrew Farrend and Joseph Crosby were Cho- 
sen fence Viewers. Na" Jones, moderator. 

at Said meeting Nath' Moore was Chosen Clerk of>the markit. 

Na" Jones, moderator. 

at Said meeting John Gray was Chosen Sealer of Leather. 

Na" Jones, moderator. 

at Said meeting Jacob Holmes and Dan"' ward were Chosen 
Hog Reefes. Na" Jones, moderator. 

at Said meeting John Starnes was Chosen pound keeper. 

Na" Jones, moderator. 

voted at Said meeting that the Town will allow I'wenty fi\e shill- 
ings per day to the several Gentlemen who shall preach the gospel 
in Said Town Till Further order. Na" Jones, moderator. 

The officers Hea'rafter mentioned being Chosen as Town Offi- 
cers of Worcester, on the first monday of march, 1722-3 : were 
Sworn to the Faith full Discharge of their Respective offices in the 
presence of the major part of the Select men. 

Benj" Flagg, Town Clerk. 

Capt. Na*' Jones, Henry Lee and Benj'* Flagg, assessors : Na"*' 
moore, Clerk of the Markit : John Gray, Sealer of Leather : Andrew 
farrend and Joseph Crosby, Fence viewers : James Hamilton and 
James Knaj), Surveyers of hywayes, Benj" Flagg, lown Clerk. 



at A meeting of the Inhabitents of \Vorcester orderly wam'd and 
mett on March the 27"' : 1 723 : at Said meeting Cap'. Na"'' Jones 
was Chosen moderator. Benj" Flagg, Town Clerk. 

Voted at Said meeting that the Town Pay Three pounds to Each 
of the Constables (viz.), to mr. James Rice and to mr. Zepheniah 
Rice as a gratuity for the gathering of the Tax of three pence per 
acre Granted by the (jreat and Generall assembly. 

Na"'' Jones, moderator. 



1723-] Town of Worcester. 15 

Voted at said meeting that tlie Town will Raise a Tax of thirty 
Poundes for the Support of 'transient Preaching the word of god 
in Worcester. , " Nat" Jones, moderator. 

Voted at Said meeting that the Swine in Worcester Shall Run at 
Large the year Ensuing, they being otherwise Regulated as the 
Law Directs. Nat" Jones, moderator. 

\\\ the presence of the major Part of the Selectmen, on March 
the 27"': 1723 : James Rice and Zepheniah Rice were Sworn to 
the faithfull Discharge of the office of Constables for the Present 
year, and James Moor, John Killogh were Sworn to the Faithfull 
Discharge of tli£ office of Tythingmen. Benj'^ Flagg, Town Clerk. 



*At a meeting of the Inhaljitants of Worcester orderly warned 
and meet on Monday the Twenty Second Day of April, 1723, mr. 
Gershom Rice was Chosen moderator. Benj'' Flagg, Town Clerk. 

Voted att Said meeting that the Town will Choose a Com"'" of 
three men for to Ballance accompts with mr. Cunable, and the 
Same Com'"'' to Take prudent Care to finish the meeting house in 
Worcester on the outside and to build the Pulpit and Body of 
Seates at the Townes Charge. Gershom Rice, raodrator. 

James Tailor, Decon Dan" Heywood and Gershom Rice was 
Chosen a Com"'''' for the Service above mentioned. 

Gershom Rice, modrator. 

Voted att Said meeting that the Town will Grant the Request of 
Mr. James Rice and allow the Road Leading by Said Rices mill to 
be in Closed for the present year if Saitl Rice Shall hange a Suffie- 
cient Gate on Each Side of the Inclosier. 

Gershom Rice, moderator. 

*The Warrant for this meeting, dated April 13, 1723, contained the follow- 
ing articles of which no record of action appears in the proceedings of the 
meeting : — 

"To Ivnow if the Town will Take up and Improve the fifty pounds of I,oan 
mony Granted for the Benifitt of Said 'I'own by the great and genii Court in 
the year 1720." 

"to Know in what maner the Town will Improve the Said lifty pounds of 
Loan mony." 



1 6 Early Records. [1723. 

Att a metting of the Selectmen of Worcester, may the fifteenth, 
1723 : it was agreed upon that the Road leading through Said 
Town to Shrewesbury, shall Run on the South of Colonel Stephen 
minotts Farm, as formerly laid out by the Sub Com'"'' of Wor- 
cester, (viz.) beginning att a Black oak marked near the Land of 
Thomas Haggit and so to Run upon a Strait line to a Stump of a 
Tree which was formerly marked for the Said Road, about half a 
Rod to the South of Collonel minotts House, upon the Farm afore- 
said : and from thence as the Fence Runs upon Said Farm, to an 
oake marked at the foot of the Hill : So to be Six Rod wide on 
the South Side of Said markes. 

Benjamin Flagg, 

Henry Lee, \ Select)nen. 

Benjamin Flagg, Junior. 



Jacob Holmes and Daniel ward being Chosen Hog Reives on 
the first monday of march, 1722-3: made oath to the Faithful! 
discharge of Said office in the presence of the major Part of the 
Selectmen, on may 20 : 1723. Benjamin Flagg, Town Clerk. 



att a meeting of the Selectmen of Worcester, April the 26 : 1723 : 
upon the Request of the Proprietor's Com''-"'' for Perambulating the 
Ancient Bounds of Worcester, it was Concluded at Said meeting 
that the Selectmen will notify the Selectmen of Rutland to meet 
with Cap'. Na"'' Jones and Lieu' Jonas Rice, (who are in behalf of 
the Selectmen,) on the 23 day of May, 1723, at the North East 
Corner of Worcester, there to begin and So Renew the Ancient 
Bounds of Worcester, So far as Rutland Joynes upon Worcester. 
By order of the Selectmen. Benj. Flagg, Town Clerk. 



at a meeting of the Inhabitants of Worcester orderly warned and 
mett on Tuesday, the fourth Day of June, 1723 : Cap', na"'' Jones 
was Chosen moderator. Benj'' Flagg, Town Clerk, 

the vote of the Town of Worcester made October the Thirty 
first, 1722, to Secure to mr. Gardner his temporal Enterest accord- 



I723-] 



Tozun of IVorcesfcr. 



17 



ing to advice and Result of Council and the vote of the pro])rietors 
of land in Worcester, being laid before the Town at S'' meeting on 
June the 4"' : i 723, to know whether the Town Included or intend- 
ed to include the Sixty pounds SettFement or Gratuity in Said vote : 
it being Tryed by a vote, it passed in the negative. 

Na"'' Jones, moderator. 

at Said meeting it was laide before the Town to know whether 
the Town of Worcester will Grant the Sixty pounds Settlement or 
Gratuity to mr. Gardner, which he the Said Gardner left to the 
Generosity of the Town : it l)cing Tryed by a vote, it passed in the 
negative. » Na"'' Jones, moderator. 

att Said meeting Na"'' Jones and Iienj" Flagg Junior, was Cho- 
sen to defend the Town againest the Suit of mr. andrew Gardner, 
to be heard and Tried on the S^'cond Tuesday of June, 1723. 

Na"^' Jones, moderator. 

June the 4"' : 1723: we whose names are under written. Do 
hereby Decent againest the votes past by the Town of Worcester on 
the Day above riten, with Reference to the Sixty pounds Gratuity 
formerly Granted to the Reverend mr. Andrew Gardner, and Bar- 
ing any Charge of Tryal. 



Joseph Crosby, 
Alisha Rice, 
Jonathan Moor, 
Jonas Rice, 
Thomas Haggit, 
Jotham Rice, 
Gershom Rice, Jr. 
Aaron Adams, 



Thomas Rice, 
Moses Lenard, 
Isaac Miller, 
James Holdin, 
Jacob Holmes, 
Zephaniah Rice, 
Josiah Rice, 
Ephraim Rice. 



Richard ward, 
Gershom Rice, 
James Rice, 
Edmond Faulkner, 
Na"'' Moore, 
Dan' Heywood, 
James Taylor, 



at a meeting of the Inhabitents of Worcester orderly warned and 
mett on June the 24"' : 1723: at Said meeting, JL,ieu* Jonas Rice was 
Chosen moderator. Benj"^ Flagg, Town Clerk. 

voted at Said meeting, that the Com*'"'' formerly Chosen to Bal- 
lance accompts with mr. Gardner : be Com'''' Still to Reckon with 
m"". Gardner and mak Return to the Town. Jonas Rice, moderator. 

voted at Said meeting (at the desior of the Church in Worcester) 



1 8 Early Records. \j^'l'^2)- 

that the Town Do Concur with the Church nomanation for a Set- 
tlement, and will Choose a Suitable person to Joyn with the Church 
in Uesiering the Gentlemen nomanated to preach in the Church 
and Town of Worcester, Three Dayes Each, upon Tryal. 

Jonas Rice, moderator. 

at Said meeting Benj" Flagg, Junior, was Chosen to Joyn with 
the person Chosen by the Church for the Serxdce above mentioned. 

Jonas Rice, moderator. 

voted at Said meeting that the Town will prefer a petition to the 
great and Gen" Court or assembly, and pray that they would in 
theire Great wisdom alter the property of the ministeerial Lott in 
Worcester, and the Rights belonging to the Same, Laid out or to 
be laid out in the South half part of Worcester, and propriate the 
Same for the Benifit of the Town's next Settled minister and his 
heirs : and the Rest of Said ministeerial Rights to be Laide out in 
the north half part of Worcester, to be Reserved for the first Set- 
tled minister in the Said north half part of Worcester, and his heirs. 

Jonas Rice, moderator. 

at Said meeting Lieu" Jonas Rice and Cap'. Na" Jones was Cho- 
sen a Com""" to prefer a petition agreeable to the vote above men- 
tioned. Jonas Rice, moderator. 



Taken up Damage Fessent and Lnpounded By Jotham Rice 
of Worcester, a Bay horse about four years old : Branded with I G 
on the Left Shoulder and S on the Left Buttock, with Two white 
feet behind. Jotham Rice. 

Worcester, June the 24 : 1723. 



at a meeting of the Inhabitants of Worcester orderly warned and 
mett on July the Eighth, 1723 : at Said meeting Cap' : Na" Jones 
was Chosen moderator. Benj'' Flagg, Town Clerk. 

voted at Said meeting (that whereas mr. andrew Gardner hath 
demanded of the Town of ^Vorcester more than they think it his 
Due), that the Town will Choose and impower a Com"'"'^ of three 
men to Joyn with the Said mr. Andrew Gardner in Choosing arbe- 
trators who shall Settle and adjust all accompts whatsoever that is 



1723.] Town of Worcester. 19 

between the Said mr. Cxardner and the Town of Worcester, <!s; 
the Town to pay the Said mr. Gardner all that Shall be awarded 
them to pay by the arbetrators Chosen as above Said : and that 
the Said Com'"' of three men are \o Represent the Town and act 
in the Towns behalf in all Respects Relating to the arbetration 
above mentioned. Nat'^ Jones, moderator, 

voted at Said meeting that Nat" Jones, John hubbard and Benj '' 
Flagg, Junior, be a Com*'"'^ to rejjresent and act in the Towns be- 
half in Reference to the arbetration above mentioned according to 
the vote above mentioned. Nat" Jones, moderator. 



at a meeting of the Inhabitants of Worcester orderly Warned and 
met on fryday the Second Day of August, 1723 : at S'^ meeting 
Decon Dan'' Heywood was Chosen moderator. 

Benj" Flagg, Town Clerk. 

Voted at Saide meeting that the Town Do Chuse and Impower 
Decon Dan" Heywood and Lieu". Henry Lee as a Com'*''' to agree 
and Setle all accompts with mr. Andrew Gardner that is between 
the Town and Said Gardner, in order to prevent his Suing the 
Town. Dan" Heywood, moderator. 



Taken up and Impounded By Jacob Holmes of Worcester, Hog 
Reive, Seven Large Swine, marked in the under Side of Each Eare 
with the figure thus ^. Jacob Holmes. 

Sep': 9: 1723. 



at a meeting of the Inhabitants of W'orcester onlerly Warned 
and mett on fryday the 20"' of September, 1723 : at Said meeting 
D : Dan" Heywood was Chosen moderator. 

Benj'' Flagg, Town Clerk. 

voted at Said meeting that the Town will Choose a Com"'" of 
five men to procure ministers to preach god's word in Said Town : 
D : Na" moor, James holdin, Gershom Rice, John hubbard and 
Jonathan moor were Chosen a Com''" for the Service above men- 
tioned. Dan" Heywood, moderator. 



20 Early Records, \^\']2'}). 

voted at Said meeting that Said Com*"" be Impowered to pro- 
cure Entertainment for Such ministers as shall preach the word of 
god in Worcester. Dan" Hepvood, moderator. 

voted at Said meeting that the Town will Grant forty Seven 
pounds, one Shilling and ten pence, for to pay what is Expended 
upon the meeting house in Worcester by Dan" Heywood, James 
Taylor & Gershom Rice, a Com'"' for finishing Said house. 

Dan" Heywood, moderator. 



Strayed by Nat" Jones of Worcester, a gray horse four or five 
years old, Branded with S on the near Buttuck : also a black, horse 
four or five years old, Branded with m on the near Buttuck & a 
Star on the forehead : also a black horse 3 or 4 years old, brantled 
with m on the neare buttuck & a Star on the forehead. 

Worcester, Oct'^'' : the i : 1723. 

Taken up in Damage and Strayed by Dan" : Ward of Worcester, 
a Sorril Ronish Horse with A blazed in his Face and the Left hinde 
Foot white. Branded with the Letter A on the Left Shoulder, and 
the Letters S M on the Left Buttuck. 



at a meeting of the Inhabitants of Worcester orderly A\'arned 
and mett on fryday the Twenty Second Day of November, 1723 : 
at Said meeting Deacon Dan" Hey\vood was Chosen moderator. 

Benj"* Flagg, Town Clerk, 
voted at Said meeting that the meeting be adjourned to the first 
Monday of December next, at one of the Clock in the afternoon. 

Daniel Heywood, moderator. 



at a meeting of the Inhabitants of Worcester orderly met by an 
adjournment from fryday, the 22 Day of Novem'"' to monday the 
Second Day of Decem'"' : i 723 : voted at S'' meeting that the Town 
will Choose a Com'*'''* to prefer a petition to the Gen" Court and 

*It appears in the warrant, that the ("oniniittee appointed in June for this 
service, had neglected their duty. 



1724.] Town of Worcester. 21 

pray for the Converting the ministeerial Lands in Worcester agree 
able to the Town- vote on the 24 Day of June, 1723. 

Dan" Heywood, moderator. 
Lieu". Henry Lee and Ensi.- Moses Lenard were C'hosen a 
Com""' for the Service above mentioned. 

Daniel Heywood, moderator. 



Worcester, Janewery the third, 1723-4. A Stray Heifer, Black 
and white, with a Slitt in Each Eare, off a year and vantage old : 
Taken up by Richard Ward. 

Worcester, Janewery the third, 1723-4. A Stray Heifer, Black 
and white, with a Slit in F^ach Eare, of about three years old : 
Taken up By Gershom Rice. 

Taken up and Strayed By William M'nal of Worcester, a brown 
heifer Coming three years old, with her Side Sumthing l^ack, and 
white under the Belly and neck & Little upon the flanck, and a 
Slitt in the near Eare with no Brand, and also a Light Red Steer 
Coming in two years yld, with a Swallows Tail Cut out of the near 
Eare, with a Star in the forehead and a Litde white upon the back 
& between the Legs with no Brand. 



at a meeting of the Inhabitants of Worcester, orderly Warned 
and met on the Sixth day of January, 1723-4 : at S"' meeting Dec : 
Dan" Heywood was Chosen moderator. Benj" Flagg, Town Clerk. 
Voted unanamusly at Said meeting that the Town Do Concur 
with the Church of Worcester in theire Choise of the Rev'' : mr. 
Shearjashub Bourn for the Town's minister. 

Dan" Heywood, moderator, 
voted at Said meetin that the meeting be adjorned for one hour : 
and then the town mett at time and place. 

I )an"' Heywood, motlerator. 

voted at Said meeting that the Town Doth Grant Seventy five 

pounds yearly for five years, and then to Rise to Eighty {)Ounds a 

year : for the maintenance of the Rev*^ mr. Shearjashub Bourn : in 

Case he Excepts the Call of the Chh. and Town of Worcester. 

Dan" Heywood, moderator. 



22 Early Records. [1724. 

voted at Said meeting that the Town Doth Grant one hundred 
pounds as a Gratuity to the Rev"^ : mr. Shearjashub Bourn : as part 
towards his settUng in the work of the ministry in Worcester. 

Dan" Heywood, moderator. 

voted at Said meeting that the Rev**, mr. Bourn be desiered to 
Suply the Pulpit untill the Town Can Compleat what they Intend 
further to ofer for his Setlement, and untill he Shall Give his an- 
swer to the Call. Dan" Heywood, moderator. 

voted att Said meeting that Decon moore, moses Leonard and 
Benj'' Flagg : Jn''. be a Com""'' to Lay the vote of the Church and 
Town of Worcester before the Rev'^ mr. Bourn for his Considera- 
tion, and to Desier him to preach in Worcester for the present. 

Dan" Heywood, moderator. 

voted at Said meeting that the meeting be adjorned to the 28 
day of this Instant January, at the meeting house at 2 of the Clock 
in the afternoon, for a proprietors meeting to be Called to See what 
they will give towards the Setlement of the Rev'' : Shearjashub 
Bourn. Dan" Heywood, moderator. 



att a meeting of the Inhabitants of Worcester orderly mett by an 
adjornment From monday the Sixth Day of January, 1723-4, to 
January the 28 : 1723-4 : voted at Said meeting that the meeting 
be adjorned to the 29 of January Curent, at Twelve of the Clock, 
at the meeting house in Worcester. Dan" Heywood, moderator. 



To \Vl\ James Rice, Constable for the Town of Worcester, 
Greeting : 

these are to order and Direct you Forthwith to Warn William 
Hamilton to Depart forthwith with all his Substance From the Town 
of Worcester, never to Reside there any more — hereof Fail not and 
mak return of your doings as by Law Directed. 

Nat" Jones, "j 
Henry Lee, [ Selectmen of 
John hubbard, j Worcester. 
Benj'' Flagg Ju' J 



1724-] Town of Woi^c ester. 23 

In obedience to this order I have Warned WilHam Hambleton 
to Depart this Town and to Reside here no more. 
Worcester, January 25, 1723-4. 

James Rice, Constable for Worcester. 



At a meeting of y*" Inhabitents of Worcester orderly warned and 
mett on monday the Second Day of March, 1723-4 at S'' meet- 
ing Moses Lenard was Chosen modrator. Benj" Flagg, Town Clark. 

at S'' meeting Lieu". Jonas Rice, Gershom Rice, James Taylor, 
D. Danil Heywood & John Gray wear Chosen Selectmen. 

Moses Lenard, modrator. 

at S'' meeting Jonas Rice was Chosen Town Clark. 

Moses Lenard, mod^ 

at S*" meeting Moses Lenard, Zepheniah Rice & Jonas Rice 
weare Chosen assessers. Moses Lenard, modrator. 

at S*^ meeting James M''lel]an & Jacob Holms were Chosen 
Constables. Moses Lenard, mod"". 

at S'' meeting I). Danil Heywood Chosen Town Tresurer. 

Moses Lenard, mocF. 

Moses Rice, Gershom Rice, Junr., Palmer Golding, Robert 
Lothrige ware Chosen Surveyers of Higways. Moses Lenard, mocF. 

at S** meeting Richard ward & John Battay ware Chosen Tything- 
men. Moses Lenard, mod^ 

at S'' meeting william Gray & Robert Peil)les Chosen fence viu- 
ers. M L mod^ 

at S'' meeting James Taylor Chosen Clark of y'' markitt. 

Moses Ln'^, mod'. 

at S'' meeting Mathew Gray was Chosen Sealer of Lether. 

Moses Lenard, mod^ 

At S'' meeting Isaac Moore & Mathew Gray Chosen Hogreives. 

The parsons hear after Named being C'hosen as Town officers of 
Worcester on y'' first monday in March, 1723-4, ware Sworn to y'' 
faithful! Discharg of their Respective offices in y'^ presence of y'' 
major part of y'^ Selectmen according to Law, vizt Jonas Rice, Town 
Clark, Moses Lenard, Zepheniah Rice & Jonas Rice, assessers, 
James Taylor, Clark of y" markit, James M'lellan & Jacob Holms, 



24 Early Records. [1724. 

Constables, Danil Heywood, Town Tresurer, Moses Rice, Gershom 
Rice, Palmer Golding, Robert Lothrig, Surveyers of Highways, 
Richard ward & John Battay, Tythingmen, William Gray, Robert 
Peibles, fence vieurs, Mathew Gray, Sealor of Lether, Isaac Moore 
& Mathew Gray, Hogreives. Jonas Rice, Town Clark, 

at Said meeting Decon Danil Heywood being Town Tresurer 
for y'' year 1722, brought in his accompt, and there was Due to 
y'' Town From him as Tresurer ^ o, 17 s, id. 

the money Due from D. Danil Heywood to y*" Town in this 
acompt is included in his accompts made up with y*^ Towns Com- 
itte march 2 : 1725. (Marginal note.) 

voted at S** meeting that the Town Brand for horses &c, be y*^ fig- 
ure 2 on y*" Left Buttuck. 

voted at S'' meeting that y*" Swine Run at Large y*^ present year, 
they being other ways Reglated as y*" Law Directs. 

Moses Lenard, modrator. 



At a meeting of y" Inhabitents of y'' Town of Worcester, March 
23 : I 724, for y'' manigment of y*" affairs of S** Town, at S*^ meeting 
Cp'. Nath" Jones was Chosen modrator. Jonas Rice, T. Clark. 

voted at S*^ meeting that a Tax or Assessment of Thirty five 
pound money be forthwith Levied on y" Inhabitents of S*^ Town of 
Worcester for y*^ Support of y*" publick preaching of Gods word in 
S*^ Town. Nath" Jones, modr. 

voted that there be three parsons Chosen to Sarve as a Comitte 
to take Care that y'' pulpit be Suj^lied with Trantchant Preaching 
& to provid Suitable Quarters for y'' ministers. The three parsons 
Chosen for that Sarvice are Cp'. Nath" Jones, James Rice, Allix- 
ander M'konky. 

Voted that Cp'. Jones, Zepheniah Rice & Jonas Rice be a Comit- 
te to Receive y" accompts of Henry Lee, Tresurer for y'' year past 
& make Return to the Town. Nath" Jones, modrator. 

Voted that a Tax or assessment of Thirty pound money be forth- 
with Levied on y" Inhabitents of Worcester for y" further finishing 
y^ meeting house in S'* Town & for providing of Standerds for 
weights & mesurs for y'^ Towns use. Nath" Jones, modrator. 



1724.] Town of Worcester. 25 

At a meeting of y"' Inhabitents of Worcester on May 15"' : i 724, 
Regularly warned for y*" mani^ment of Town affairs, at S** meeting 
Jonas Rice being C'liosen modrator, ,y'' following votes ware past. 

Voted at S'' meeting that there be a Comitte Chosen Consisting 
of nine Parsons for y'' Seeting y'' meeting house, and y*" Rule to be 
prinsiply observed by them in Seeting Shall be y'' Two Last In- 
voices taken of y*" Rateable Estate of y'" Town of Worcester, Save- 
ing a Liberty to y*" S'' Comitte to have a Due Reference to Prinsipel 
Beuilders as thay See Cause. Jonas Rice, mod"". 

The Parsons Chosen as above are — 
De. Dan' Heyvvood, L. Henry Lee, D. Nath" Moore, 

Ens. Moses Lenard, Gershom Rice, Cap'. Nath" Jones, 
Palmer Golding, James How, Jonas Rice. 

voted that y*" Pues be granted out to perticular Parsons & their 
families by y'' Comitte Chosen as above. Jonas Rice, mod'. 

[The date of this meeting, according to the Warrant, was May 
26, I 724.] 

Voted that y'' Galleries in y*" meeting house in Worcester be fin- 
ished as Soon as may be of [by ?] y'' Town. Cxershom Rice, mod^ 

Voted at S'* meeting that y*" Town Do Receive their Proportion 
of money in y'' Publick Bank alotted them by y*" Province* ci: Im- 
prove S'^ money for y'' further finishing of y*" meeting house in S*^ 
Town of Worcester. 

at S'' meeting Cp'. Nath" Jones & Ens. Moses Lenard wear Cho- 
sen Trustees for y*" Town of Worcester, to Receive S'' money & 
give Security according to y'' act of General Court in behalf of y*' 
Town. Gershom Rice, mod''. 

Voted that James Rice, John Hubbard & Moses Rice be a 
Comitte to take Care that y'' Galeries in y^ meeting house be fin- 
ished. Gershom Rice, mod'. 



At a meeting of y'' Selectmen of Worcester, March 24"', 1724. 
at y"" Request of James Taylor, Moses Lenard, Palmer Golding & 

♦Probably the grant made l)y the General Court in 1720. See Note, p. 15. 



26 Early Records. [1724. 

others, for y'^ Stating a way from y'-' house of S*^ Golding to y*" meet- 
ing house & haveing talcen a vew of y" Premises & fiending it of 
Necessity, it was agreed upon that a way of Three Rods wide be 
Stated, begining at a white oake Tree Standing a Littel NorthEast 
of S'' Goldings DweUing house, & so by mark trees Standing on y"^ 
North Side of S'' highway thrugh y*" Land of Pahner Golding, Isaac 
Wheelor & Gershom Rice till it Comes to y*" Brook at westerly Eand 
of Pine medow, then Crossing S'' Brook & over y'' pine Plain by 
mark trees to y*^ mill Brook & Crossing y*" Brook at y" South 
Eand of y" School Land & So by S'' School Land to y'" meeting- 
hous. 

Jonas Rice, "^ 

Ciershom Rice, ! o 7 . 

T '1' 1 )- .^e/ec/fiien. 

James iaylor, | 

Danil Heywood. j 



At a meeting of y*^ Selectmen of Worcester, March 24 : 1724, 
at y*' Request of Moses Rice, James Moore, Ephriam Roper & 
Isaac Moore for y'' Stating of a higway from their houses to y'' meet- 
inghouse, & we having taken a veiw, have Stated a highway of 3 
Rods wide as followeth, viz' : begining at y'' North Easterly Cor- 
ner of Danil wards Lott near y'' meetinghouse, from thence Run- 
ning 3 Rods wide through y" house Lott of y*^ S'' Danil ward ad- 
joyning to S'' wards Northerly Line, thence Running through Sev- 
eral Lots & Dividends of Land by mark trees Standing on y* 
Southerly Side of S*^ highway to y'' houses of Jonas moore & moses 
Rice. 

Jonas Rice, ^ 

Gershom Rice, \ c 7 _. 

r r,< , ^ Selectmen. 

James iaylor, 

Danil Heywood. 



Worcester, May 20 : 1724. 

We y^ Subscribers, being apointed a Comitte by y* Inhabitents 

of Worcester at their meeting on May 15, 1724, to Seet y*^ meeting 

house in S'' Town, as also to grant Suitable places on the floore 

for Pues to perticular parsons & families, and having taken into 



1724.] Toivn of Worcester. 27 

Consideration y'' S'' affair according to y'' 1 )irections given us, we 

have proceeded as follows — 

viz. granted to y*" Honrble Adam Wintrhop, Escf. y'' first Pue on 

y*" Right Side of y*" fnmt l)Ore. > 

granted to Thomas Palmer, Es(l^ & Compeny place for a jiue next 

adjoyning to Coll. wintrhops pue on y"" Right Side of y'' 

frunt Uore. 
granted to mr. Danil Henchman & Compeny place for a pue next 

acijoyning to y*" pue of Judg Palmer tS: Compeny in y" 

frunt of y*' house, 
granted to \r. John Smith place for y'' first pue on y'' Left Side of 

y*^ frunt Dore, being next to y" Dore. 
granted to Dec. Nath" Moore place for y"" Second pue on y*^ Right 

Side of y*" East Dgre. 
granted to W . Moses Lenard, place for a pue adjoyning on y*^' Right 

Side of y'^ East Dore. 
granted to I\T. Palmer Golding place for a pue on y'' Left Side of 

y*" East Dore. 
granted to Jonas Rice place for a jnie adjoyning on y'' Left Side 

of y'" Pulpitt. 
granted to L. Henry Lee place for a pue next adjo)ning to that 

granted to Jonas Rice, 
granted to Zepheniah Rice place for a pue adjoyning to that gTant- 

ed to L. Lee & that granted to D. Moore, 
granted to Cp'. Nath" Jones place for a pue adjoyning on y'' Left 

Side of y'' west Dore. ' 
granted to AP. John Hubbard place for a pue next adjoyning to 

that granted to Cp'. Jones. 
granted to D. Danil Haywood place for a i)ue adjoyning to y*" pue 

bieult for the minister, 
granted to M''. James How plat:e for a pue on y'' Right Side of y'' 

West Dore. 
granted to AP. James Taylor place for a pue on y'' Left Side ol 

y*" frunt Dore adjoyning to y'' pue granted to M''. John 

Smith, 
granted to .\P. Jonathan Moore ])lace for a pew next adjoyning to 

that granted to James Taylor on y" Left hand of y'' fruni 

Dore. 



Early Records. 



[1724. 



See ted in y" fore Sect. 

Gershom Rice, 

James Rice, 

John Gray, 

Benj" Flag, 

James Taylor, 

Isaac miller, 

John Stearns, 

Jonathan moore. 

Seeted in y" Second Sect. 

Thomas Haggitt, 

Aaron Adams, 

James Holdin, 

Gershom Rice, jun^ 

Danil ward, 

Joseph Crosby. 

James Knap, 

Jacob Holmes. 

Seeted in the third Sect. 

Josiah Rice, 

Moses Rice, 

Benj'' Flag, jun^ 

Richard ward, 

Mathew Gray, 

James moore, 

John Dunken, 

Peter King. 

Seeted in the fourth Sect. 

Benj'^ Townsend. 

William Gray, 

P4)hriam Rice, 

Danil Biglo, 

Edmund Faulkner, 

Thomas Rice, 

Ebenezer Biglo, 

Richard Wheelor. 



Seeted in y" fifth Sect. 
Hamblton on y'' Right of Smith. 
M'^nal on y" Right of Smith. 
Peables on y"^ Right of Palmer. 
J. M'^Clellend on y'' Right of Palmer. 
Ferrend on y*" Right of Palmer. 
M'Konky on y*" Right of Palmer. 
Iveloah on y*" Right of Palmer. 
Lortridg on y'' Right of Minott. 



Seeted in y*^ Sixth Sect. 
William M'lellen. 

David young on y*" Right of Wintrhop. 
J. Bety on y*" Right of Palmer. 
W. Mahon on y*" Right of Palmer. 
James NP'lellen. 
Beard on y* Right of Dikson. 



as it is Seeted by us, 

Nath" Moore, 
Nath" Jones, 
Gershom Rice, 
Jonas Rice, 
Danil Heywood, 
Palmer Golding, 
Henry Lee. 



)■ Comitt. 



1724.] Toum of Worcester. 29 

[Warrant.] 

To mr. James mclellen, Constable of VVorrester, greeting : 

wharas y*" Church of Christ in Worcester have Lately pro- 
ceeded to a Choice of y*" Revd mr. Thomas white to be their min- 
ister & have also applied themselves to us, y*" Subscribers, for y'' 
Calling of a meeting of the Inhabitents of S'' Town for their Con- 
currence with y'' Churches Choice — 

These are therefore to Require you forthwith to warn all y'' free- 
holders & other Inhabitents of & belonging to this Town, Duly 
Qualified to vote in y*" Setlement of a minister, to meet & assemble 
at y'" meeting house in Worcester on Thursday y*" Tenth of Septmbr 
next Ensuing, at two of y^ Clock, afternoon, then & there, the 
Church having made Choice of y" Rev*^ mr. Thomas white for their 
minister, first to See if y'' Town will Concur with y'' Churchs Choice. 
2. if the Town Shall Concur as aforesd, then to See if y*^ Town will 
grant Suitable Encourigment for his Setlement & Suport. 
By order of y*" Selectmen, 

Worcester, august 27 : 1724. Jonas Rice, To. Clark. 

At a meeting of y** Inhabitents of Worcester, September y^ 10 : 
1724, Regularly warned and met, at S'^ meeting Nath" Moore was 
Chosen modrator. 

at S'' meeting Benj^ Flagg & Gershom Rice wear Chosen to 
make Adress to the Rev'' mr. Thomas White in behalf of y*" Church 
& Town for his further Assistence in y" work of y"" Gospel. 

voted that y'' meeting be adjourned untill 28 of Sep', at 10 of y*^ 
Clock before noon at y*^ meeting house. 



At a meeting of y*' Inhabitents of Worcester, Sep'. Tenth, orderly 
warned, at S'' meeting James Taylor was Chosen mod^ 

voted at S'' meeting that the Town Do Accept of Return of Lieu'. 
Henry Lee, Tresurer for y'^ year 1723, So far as it Refers to the 
Tax of 3 pence "^ acre on all y*^^ Land in Worcester. 

James Taylor, mod. 

Voted at S'' meeting that y" Town Do accept of the Return of 
y* Comitte Impowered to Setle accompts with Lieu'. Henry Lee, 
Tresurer for y" year 1723, and that it b(? put upon Record So far 



30 Early Records. [1724. 

as it Refers to y'' Tax of Thirty pound & So far as it Refers to y'' 
Tax of forty Seven pound, one Shilling & Ten pence. 

James Taylor, mod''. 



At a meeting of y*^ Inhabitents of Worcester October y*" Twelveth, 
1724, orderly warned, at S'' meeting Jonas Rice was Chosen mod- 
rator. Jonas Rice, T. Clark. 

voted at S'* meeting that Cp'. Nath" Jones, James Rice & Alect- 
sander M'onky be a Comitte to treat with y*" Rev** IVr. Burr in 
behalf of y" Town for his Continuence in S'' Town a tarm of time, 
as they may agree, in y'' work of y*" Gospel. Jonas Rice, mod. 

Voted that a Tax or Assessment of Thirty pounds money be 
Leveyed on y*" pols & Estats of the Inhabitents of Worcester for y'' 
Suport of y^ ministry. Jonas Rice, mocF. 

Voted that John Keolah be y*" parson to Sweep y'' meeting house 
for y'' year Ensuing. 

Voted that Jacob Holmes & Zepheniah Rice be a Comitte to 
Dispose of y'^ Lime that has been provided for Sealing y*^ meeting 
house or to Secure & presarve S'' Lime, making Return to y*^ Town. 

J. Rice, mod^ 

voted that y'' Town Do Accept of y'' Return of D. Danil Hey- 
wood & L. Henry Lee, being a Comitte formerly apointed to 
Setle accompts with y*^ Rev*^ m'. Andrew Gardner upon y*^ acount 
of his ministry in Worcester. Jo". Rice, mod''. 

voted that Twelve Shillings money be Elowed to m''. James Rice 
for Repairing his house for the publick worship of God. 

Jonas Rice, mod''. 

voted that y"' Town Do accept y'^' pound Erected by L. Henry 
Lee in y'' place whear it Now Stands, with y*^ Security given by 
John Stearns for y^ use of y*" Land whearon y'-' pound Stands. 

Jonas Rice, mod''. 

voted that Six pound, Twelve Shillings be added to y*^ Tax of 
30^ allredy granted for y*' Suport of y*" ministry, S'' money to be 
payd, viz' : p^6-o-o to L. Lee for y" pound, and Twehe Shilings to 
James Rice for repairing his house. Jonas Rice, mod^ 



1725.] Toivn of Worcester. 31 

Know all men by These Prsnts, that I John Starnes of Wor- 
cester in the County of mid", in his majesties Province of the 
Massatchusets Bay in New En'gland, Yeoman, for divers Causes & 
Considerations me at Present movdmg, and more lilspecialy Con- 
sidering that Lieu'. Henry Lee heth Erected a pound for y'^ use of 
y'" Town of Worcester afores"^, on a peace of Land in my possession, 
near my Dwelling house in Worcester, I Do hearby Covenant, Prom- 
is ilv; Ingag that y"" Town or Inhabitents of Worcester afores'', Shall 
& may by force of these Presnts have, hold, use & occupy y*" S'' 
peace of Land whearon y" S'' pound Now Stands y*" fulj term of 
Twenty years next Ensuing y'' Date hearof, without any Lawful! 
molestation, Contridiction or Denial of me y*" S'' John Starnes, my 
heirs. Executor, Administrators or Assines, or any other parson or 
parsons whatsoever. 

In witness whearof, I have hearunto Set my hand & Seal this 
fifteenth Day of may, in y'' year of our Lord one Thousend, Seven 
& Twenty four, & in y'' Tenth year of y" Reign of our Soveraign 
Lord George, by y*^ Grace of God, of Great Brittain, trance & Ir- 
land, King, Defender of y*" Faith, <f^c. 

Signed, Sealed &= Delivered John Starnes. 

Ill presence of us, 
Zephaniah Rice, 
Jacob Holmes. 



Dec. 22 : 1724. at Worcester. 

Received of Jacob Holmes, Constable, a half buishil, a peck 
and half a peck, a yard wan, one ale quart, one wine quart, one 
pint, one half pint and one Jll, one Steel Beeam, one foure pound 
& two pound, one pound & half pound, one quarter, one 2 ounc. 
one ounc, one half ounc, one quarter ounc. 
I Say Reed f me, 

James Taylor, Clark of y'^ Markitt. 



*At a meeting of y"^ Inhabitents of Worcester Febniary 8"', 



*The warrant for this meeting contained an article as follows : — 
"whearas it Doth apear that Several of the Inhabitents of ye Town are 



32 EaiHy Records. [1725. 

1 724-5, Regularly warned, at S'' meeting Nath" Jones Chosen mod^ 

Jonas Rice, T. Clark. 

Voted that there be a Tax of fifty pounds Levied on y'^ Inhabi- 
tents of Worcester for y*" Erecting of Several Bridges & Repairing 
y*" highways in y" Town of Worcester, Deducting out of Each par- 
sons Rate or proportion So much as he hath alredy Don in work at 
y'' highways, his work to be adjudged by a Comitte apointed for 
that purpos. Nath" Jones, mod^ 

Voted that D. Nath" Moore, James Taylor & Benj" Flagg be a 
Comitte to Elow y* accompts of Such parsons as as have Don 
work on the highways as above mentioned. Nath" Jones, mod''. 

Voted, whearas Ebenezer Biglo hath made a motion to y*" Town 
that he may be Excused from working at y*" highways in Case he 
Shall Erect and keep in good Repair a Sufficant Cart Bridg over 
y*" River Called French River in y*' Road Leading to Oxford, that 
y'' S*^ Ebinezer Biglo be Excused So Long as he Shall Comply 
with & ful fill y" proposels above S''. Nath" Jones, modrator. 

Voted that the Tax for Building of Bridges & Repairing of high 
ways be made & Dilevered to y*^ Constables with Suflicant warrant 
to Colect y*-' Same, & to accomt with the Tresurer at or before y* 
first of March, 1725-6, & also that a List or Coppy of S"* Tax be 
Comitted to y*^ Surveyers & the Said Surveyers to Return y'^ Names 
of Such as Shall neglect or Refuse to work, being Seasonably noti- 
fied, to the Constables at or before y"^ first of January next Ensuing. 

Nath" Jones, mod^ 

Voted that the Town will proceed & finish the Galleries in the 
meetinghouse. Nath" Jones, mod^ 

Richard wheeler, Tiras Rice & Benj" Flagg Decented against 
Building y*^ Galleries. 



At a meeting of y^ Inhabitents of Worcester, on Feb'. 10, : 1724-5, 

Disatisfied with Reference to the Seeting of ye meeting house : That those 
parsons may have opertunity to make their agrievences known in ye pres- 
ence of ye Town & give their Reasons therefor, & for ye Town to Consider 
& Come into Some proper method for Redress whearin it may apear thay 
are wronged, Either by finishing ye (naileries or Some other way as ye Town 
Shall See meet, agreeable to ye Ruls given for Seeting Sd house." 



1725.] Town of Worcester. 33 

Regularly warned for Calling a minister, at S*" meeting, 1). Nath" 
Moore being Chosen modrator, y" following votes ware past, viz' : 

Voted that y* Town Do freely Concur whith y*' Church in their 
Choice of y* Rev*^ m^ Isaac Burr to be y^ minister of y* Town of 
Worcester. Nath" moore, modr. 

Voted & granted to y*" Rev** m^ Isaac Burr for & towards his 
Setlement in y'^ work of the ministry in Worcester, too hundred 
pounds money or the value thereof in Land to his acceptence in 
Case he accepts of the Call of y* Curch cS: Town of Worcester & be 
in time Ordained in office thear : that is to Say, one hundred 
pound to be payd within Six months after his acceptence, «S: also 
one hundred pound at or on the Expiration of Twelve months 
thence next after his acceptence as above Said. Nath. moore, mod. 

voted, granted to y'' Rev"^ mr. Isaac Burr for his yearly Salerie 
in Case he Setles in y*" work of y*" ministry in Worcester, Eighty 
pounds money, to be payd him by too Taxes Levied on y'^^ In- 
habitents Anualy. Nath. moore, mod'. 

voted that D. Nath" Moore, D. Heywood, mr. John Gray, mr. 
Gershom Rice & Lieu'. Lee be a Comitte to present to y*" Rev'' 
n■l^ Burr y" votes of y'^ Town & to waite on him for his answer & 
make Return to y*^ Town. Nath" moore, modrator. 



At a meeting of y" Inhabitents of Worcester, orderly warned & 
met on the first monday of march, 1724-5, for y*" Choice of Town 
officers, at Said meeting Jonas Rice was Chosen modrator. 

James Mclellen, Constable/ 

at S'' meeting D. Nath" Moore, Moses Lenard, James M'^lellen, 
Benj'' Flagg, junr. & James Holdin wear Chosen Selectmen. 

Jonas Rice, mod^ 

at S'' meeting Jonas Rice was Chosen Town Clark. 

at S"* meeting Cp'. Nath" Jones, Benj'' Fllagg, jun''. & Jonathan 
Moore wear Chosen Assessors. Jonas Rice, motlrator. 

The Town of Worcester having at their meeting on march if, 
1725, apointed us y'' Subscribers, a Comitte to Examin y*" accompts 
of Dec. Danil Heywood, Tresurer for y'" year 1724, and we having 
Examined into S'' accompts, it apears to us that he hath Reed in 



34 Early Records. [1725. 

of y*^ Towns money one hundred & Seventy four pound, fourteen 
Shilings & Eleven pence, and payd out to y*^ Towns Crediters one 
hundred & Seventy pound, Eighteen ShiHngs & three pence, 
which together with three pound, Sixteen Shilings, Eight pence 
which we have Reed, amounts to y*^ Sum which he hath Reed, 
which is to be a Discharg to y" Said Tresurer in full. 

Jonas Rice, '\ 

Jonathan Moore, [- Comiite. 
Zephaniah Rice. ) 

march 2 : 1725. Reed of y*" Comitte above mentioned, for y* 
use of y*" Town, three pound, Sixteen Shilings & ninepence. 

Nath" Moore, Tresurer. 

at a meeting of y*" Inhabitents ol Worcester, March first, 1724-5, 
James Taylor & Gershom Rice wear Chosen Constables for y*" year 
Ensuing. Jonas Rice, modr. 

at S** meeting D. Nath" moore was Chosen Town Tresurer. 

J. R., mod. 

at S'' meeting Palmer Golding & Gershom Rice wear Chosen 
Surveyers of highways. 

at S'' meeting Robert Peables & James Hamblton wear Chosen 
Tythingmen. 

at S'' meeting Aaron Adams & Josiah Rice wear Chosen fence 
Viwers. 

at S'' meeting James Taylor Chosen Clark of y"" markitt. 

Mathew Gray at S"^ meeting Chosen Sealor of Lether. 

at S'' meeting Tirias Rice & Thomas Haggitt Chosen hogreives. 

Jonas Rice, modrator. 

Voted that this meeting be adjourned for half an hour to y'' house 
of mr. John Hubbard. Jonas Rice, modr. 

S'' meeting being adjourned half an houre as above S*^ & then 
met : Voted that Jonas Rice, Zephaniah Rice & Jonathan Moore 
wear Chosen to Setle accompts with Danil Heywood, Town Tres- 
urer for y*' year 1724. Jonas Rice, modr. 

The Several parsons hearafter Named, being Chosen Town offi- 
cers of Worcester on y" first monday of march, 1725, for y*^ year 
Ensuing, wear Sworn to y'' faithfull Discharg of their Respective 



1725.] Toiun of Worcester. 35 

offices in y*" presence of y*" major part of y'' Selectmen as y*" Law 
Directs. Jonas Rice, T. Clark. 

Gershom Rice, Constable for y"" iiorth preesinct. 
James Tayler, Constable for y'" South preesinct. 

Robert Peables, ] ^ ,. ^ _ Gershom Rice, \Sii)Teycrs of 
James Hamblton. j -' '^"■^""^"- palmer Golding. j Hii^Invays. 

Aaron Adams, \ r^ ., y , 

Josiah Rice, y'^'^'-'- ttiats. Mathew Gray, .V. ^/Z. 

Tiras Rice, 

Thomas Haggitt, hogrewes. 

hy order of Selectmen, 

Jonas Rice, T. Clark. 



at a meeting of y® Inhabi tents of Worcester orderly warned and 
met on April the 5"', 1725, at S'^ meeting mr. Crershom Rice was 
Chosen modrator. 

Voted at S'" meeting that y*^ Swine Run at Larg this present year, 
thay being otherways Regulated according to Law. 

Gershom Rice, modrator. 



*at a meeting of y" Inhabitents of Worcester on May 18 : 1725. 
orderly warned, at S'' meeting Decon Danil Heywood was Chosen 
modrator. Jonas Rice, T. Clark. 

Voted at S'' meeting that Wednesday y'' 13"' of October next, be 
y" Day apointed for the Ordination of y'' Rev'' m'. Isaac Burr to 
y*" pastoral office in Worcester. Danil Heywood, modr. 

Voted that there be a C^omitte of five men Chosen to take Ef- 
fectual Care to prevent Catle & horses being Brought into y*" Town 
belonging to Such parsons who are not propriators or freeholders 
in S'' Town, and to prevent such Catle & horses Continueing in S'' 

*One article in the warrant calling this meeting, was — 
"to Deput a parson to Serve for & Represent them in a (ireat & Genii 
Court or assembly apointed to lie convened, held & kept for his majesties 
Sarvice, at ye Court House in Boston, upon Wednesday ye Twenty Sixt Day 
of may next Ensuing ye Date hereof." 



36 Early Records. [1725. 

Town that are Brought in alredy, Either by Petition for them to be 
Taxed or any other way. Danil Heywood, modrat. 

at S*^ meeting Gershom Rice, Benj" Flagg, jun., James Holdin, 
Robert Peabls & Aaron Adams wear Chosen a Comitte to prevent 
Catle & horses as above S**. Danil Heywood, mod''. 



at a meeting of the Inhabitents of Worcester orderly warned and 
met on monday the Sixth Day of Sept', 1725, at Said meeting mr. 
fames Taylor was Chosen modrator. Gershom Rice, Constable. 

Voted at S'' meeting that if the former Comitte for Seeting y^ 
meetinghouse in Worcester will proceed & Compleat the Seeting 
of y'' meetinghouse above & below in S'' 1 own : that then the vote 
made upon the first article* in y'' warning of this meeting to be 
voide, y" above Comitte to make Return to the Town. 

Voted that Cp^ Nath" Jones, James Taylor & John Hubbard be 
a Comitte to take Efectual Care forthwith for y'' finishing y" meet- 
inghouse in Worcester at y'" Towns Charg by providing materials 
& agreeing with a workeman to Do S*' work & See that it be well 
Don. J. 'W, modr. 

Voted that the Churches aplied to for assistence in y'' ordination 
of y" Rev'^ m''. Isaac Burr be as follows, viz' : Hartford, Framing- 
ham, marlbrough, Lancaster, Leicester, Sudbury, weston, Shrews- 
bury. Jam Taylor, modr. 

Voted that Decon N" moore be y'' parson to Entertain y'' Eld- 
ers & messengers at y'^ ordination of y'' Rev'' mr. Burr. 

J. T., modr. 

Voted that Ten pounds money be Elowed & paVd to Dec. 
Nath" moore out of y'' Town Tresurey for Entertaining y'' Elders & 
messengers at y*-' ordination of y'' Rev** mr. Isaac Burr. J. T., mod"". 

Voted that fifty pounds money be assessed on y*" Ratable In- 
habitents of Worcester for y'' further finishing of y*" meeting house 
in S"* Town. James Taylor, modrator. 

*The first article read as follows : — 

"to See if ye Comitte for Seeting ye meeting house & granting ye Pews in 
Worcester have proceeded in that affair agreeable to ye Instructions given 
them by ye Town, «S: if not, to Dismist Said Comitte with a non Concurence 
of what thay have Don : So that ye Seeting of ye meeting house & granting 
ye Pews may Remain in ye hands of ye Town as before." 



1726.] Toiun of Worcester. 37 

*at a meeting of y" Inhabitents of y'' 'rown of Worcester, orderly 
warned & met on y" first Day of December, 1725, Jonas Rice was 
Chosen modr. , . James Taylor, Constable. 

Voted at S'' meeting that y" Town Do Joyn with y*" Propriators 
in makeing apjilication to y'' General Assembly to be enabled to 
Levy a Tax of one hundred ]K:)und money on y*^^ Divided and un- 
divided Land in y'^ South half of Worcester for y*" payment of y" one 
half of the two hundred pound granted by the Town to y*" Rev'' mr. 
Isaac Burr for his Setlement in y'' work of y'' ministry in S*^ Town. 

J. R., m'>. 

Voted that Decon N. moore & mr. Cershom Rice be a Comitte 
to provide a Suitable parson to Sweep y" meeting house for one 
year. Jonas Rice, mod. 



at a meeting of y" Inhabitents of Worcester on March the first, 
1726, orderly warned for y" Choice of Town officers as y'' Law 
Directs, mr. James Tailor was Chosen modrator. 

Gershom Rice, Constable. 

at S'' meeting mr. James Tailor, Lei'. Moses Lenard Dec. Danil 
Heywood, D. Nath" Moore, & mr. Benj^. Flagg junr. Chosen Se- 
lectmen. 

at S'' meeting Lt. Jonas Rice Chosen T. Clark. 

at S** meeting mr. Zeph. Rice, James Holdin & william Ciray 
Chosen Assessors. 

at y" meeting above S'' Palmer Golding & James How Chosen 
Constabls. 

at S** meeting mr. James Tailor Chosen Town Tresurer. 

Robert Peables and James moore, Surveyers of highways. 

mathew Gray and James Rice, Tythingmen. 

Thomas Stearns & Danil ward, fence viwers. 

James Tailor, Clark of y" markt. 

mathew Gray, Sealor of Lether. 

Andrew Ferrend & Jotham Rice, hogreives. 

James Tailor, modrator. 



*The last article in the warrant for this meeting sead as follows : — 
"to See if ye Town will take Efectual Care & provide a writting School to 
Instruct ye Vouth in Sd Town." 



38 Early Records. [1726. 

Voted that Cpt. Nath" Jones, De. Danil Heywood & Lt. Moses 
Lenard be a Comitte to adjust accounts with D. Nath" moore, 
Town Tresurer, and make return to y*" Town. 

James Tailor, modr. 



*at a meeting of y'' Inhabitents of Worcester, march i : 1725-6, 
at 4 of y*" Clock afternoon, to regulate y'' Singing in publick, mr. 
James Rice was Chosen modr. Jonas Rice, T. Clark. > 

Voted at S"^ meeting that y*^ Psalms be Sung by y* Congration 
for y*" future in y*" Ruleable way. James Rice, modr. 

The Several parsons hear after Named being Chosen Town Offi- 
cers of Worcester on y*" first Day of march. Anno Dom. 1726, for 
y" year Ensuing, weare Sworn to y" faithful! Discharg of their Re- 
spective offices in y*" presence & by order of y*^ major part of y'' Se- 
lectmen as y*^ Law Directs, viz' : Jonas Rice. 

James Holdin, James How, James Tailor, 

william Gray, mathew Gray, mathew Gray, 

James Tailor, Robert Peables, Thomas Stearns, 

Palmer Golding, James moore, Danil ward. 



at a meeting of y*^ Inhabitents of Worcester on april 4 : 1726, 
orderly warned, mr. James Tailor being Chosen modrator, y*" fol- 
lowing Votes wear past : 

Voted that no Inhabitent of Worcester bring in or receive any 
Cattel or horses whatsoever to run or feed on y'' Common of any 
parson or parsons. Excepting Such as properly belong to propria- 
tors or freeholders of Said Town, upon the penalty of paying in to 
y'' Town Tresurer of S*^ Town three Shillings pr Each so Received 
or brought in as afores"^ for y" use of y'' Town. 

Voted that Lieu'. Henry Lee Do forthwith make application to 
y" Court of General Sessions of y'' peace in behalf of y'' Town for 
y** Confirmation of y*^ above written vote. James Tailor, modr. 

*In the warrant ihe inhabitents were called "to Consider & vote which way 
ye Congration in Sd Town Shall Sing in publick for ye future, whether ye 
Rulable way or ye usual way." 



1726.] 



Toiv7i of Worcester. 



39 



Voted at S'' meeting that y" Town is Debter to y'' Several par- 
sons hearafter named the pariicluar Sums afixed to their names, 
vizt : 



/. 


s. 


d. 


01 


18 


00 


00 


02 


00 


03 


06 


00 


00 


14 


06 


00 


04 


00 


03 


00 


00 



To Nathll moore, 
Benja. Flagg, junr. 
Jonas Rice, Zeph Rice 

& moses Lenard, 
James Rice, 
Jonas Rice & Zeph. 

Rice, each, 
James Rice, 
James Tailor, Gershom Rice 

& Danil Heywood, 00 iS 00 
Henry Lee, 03 00 00 

Danil Heywood, 02 06 00 

Nathll Jones, Benja. Flagg, junr. 

& Jonathan moore, 03 00 00 
to Danil ward, 00 16 00 

to Jonas Rice & .\aron 

Adams, 01 00 00 

to Benja. Flagg, 01 00 00 



to Nathll. Jones, Henry Lee 

& Benja. Flagg, junr. 02 18 00 

to Thomas Stearns, 09 06 00 

to Danil Heywood, 02 10 00 

to Zeph. Rice, 02 08 00 

to Nathll. Jones, , 00 19 09 

to Nathll. Jones, 02 01 07 

to Nathll. Jones, 00 06 00 

to John Hublmrd, 00 16 00 

to Nathll. Jones, 00 06 00 

to John Hubbard, 00 06 00 

to fames Taylor, 00 06 00 

to Nathll. Jones, oi 00 00 

to Gershom Rice, 02 10 00 

to Jacob Holmes, 00 10 00 

to Palmer Golding, 00 02 00 

to Robert Pebles, 00 05 00 



Voted that the meeting be adjourned to the Sixth Day of april, 
Current, at one of y'' Clock after noon, at y*^ meeting house in S'' 
Town. James Taylor, mod'. 



at a meeting of y" Inhabitents of Worcester by adjournment from 
y'" first monday of april, 1726 : to y" Sixth Day of y*" S'' month & 
then met — 

Voted that Twenty Six ponntl, four Shilings of y"" Sums granted to 
y"" Several parsons above named for Sarvice Don for y*" Town, be 
assessed of y" Inhabitents of S'' Town with y** fifty pounds alredy 
granted for y'' further finishing of y'' meeting house. 

Voted that y" Selectmen forthwith take Care and provid a Suiifi- 
ciant Schoole for y" Education of Youtn in S'' Town of Worcester. 

Voted that mr. James Tailor, mr. Benj" Flagg, *'""' & mr. Pal- 
mer Cioulding be a Comitte to take Care forthwith that y'' Town be 
provided with a Stock of amunition as y'' Law Directs. 

James Tailor, modr. 



40 Early Records. [1726. 

*At a meeting of y'^ Inhabitents of Worcester on may 13 : 1726, 
Dec. Nath" moore was Chosen modr. Jonas Rice, T. Clark. 

Voted that y^ Town axepts of y^ Return of y" Comitte apointed 
to Setle acompts with Decon Nath" moore, T. Tresurer. 

Voted that the Town Doth Elow y" County Rate to be added 
to & made with y*" rate allredy granted for further finishing of y^ 
meetinghouse. 

Voted that Thanks be returned to y*" Hon''" Adam wintrhop, 
Esqr. for his bounty in bestowing a Cushing on y^ Town as furni- 
ture for y'' pulpit, and that y" Town Clerk present his Honr a Coppy 
of S'^ vote. Nath" moore, modrator. 



^• 


s. 


d. 


03 


10 


06 


35 


12 


00 



Worcester, april 5"', 1 726. the accoumpt of Nath" moore, Tres- 
urer for the year 1725 : 

Ihe Tozvns 
Creditt. 

Received of James Alclellend, Constable, being in full 

of his arears on a Tax granted by ye Town of 
Received of James Mclelend, Constable, on a Tax of 

Thirty pound, 02 12 lo 

Received of Jacob Holmes, Constable, on a Tax of 

Thirty pound, 09 11 10 

Received of Jacob Holmes, Constable, on a Tax of 

Thirty five pound, 16 09 00 

Received of James Tailor, Constable, on a Tax of 

fourty pound 16 10 00 

Received of Gershom Rice, Constable, on a Tax of 

fourty pound, 13 14 08 

Received of Zeph. Rice, Constable, on a Tax on ye Land, 12 16 06 
Received of James Rice, Constable, on a Tax on ye Land, 08 15 00 

*One article in the warrant calling this meeting was as follows : 

" to Elect & Depute a parson to Sarve for & Represent them in a grate 

& General Court or assembly apointed to be Convened, held & kept for his 

majesties Sarvice at ye Court House in Boston, upon Wednesday, ye Twenty 

tifth Day of may next Ensuing ye Date hearof." 

It does not appear in the records of the meetings that a representative was 

chosen, either on this or the previous year. (See note, page 35.) 



1726.] Town of Worcester. 41 

ye Toii'iis 

Debter £. s. d. £. s. d. 

to mr. John Watson, oS oo oo to ye id mr. Isaac Burr 06 13 00 

to mr. James Rice, 03 08 00 To mr. B. Isaac Burr, 01 00 00 

to abisha Rice, 00 iS 00 to mr. Andrew Gardner, 12 16 06 

to mr. Benja. Flagg, jr. 01 10 08 to ye Revd mr Fits 

to mr. Zepheniah Rice, 01 05 06 Gearld, 02 00 00 

to mr. Zepheniah Rice, 00 07 06 to mr. Benja. Flagg, 00 07 06 

to mr. Danil ward, 00 1 2 00 to mr. Ephrian! Rice, 00 04 06 

to Palmer Golding for to mr. James Taylor, 00 07 00 

mr. Samuel Jenison, 01 00 00 to Cpt. Nathll Jones, 00 16 00 

to \\\x. Palmer Golding for to ye Revd mr. Andrew 

mr. Samuel Jenison, 01 00 00 Gardner, 07 00 00 

Erors Excepted, 

Nath" moore, T. Tresurer. 



To y Selectmen of Worcester : 
we y® Subscribers being the major part of a Comitte apointed 
to Examine y*" accompts of Dec. Nath" moore, T. Tresurer for y' 
Town of Worcester for y" year 1725, it appears to us that of what 
was Comitted to him by Surtificate Signed by messurs. Jonas Rice, 
Jonathan moore and Zephaniah Rice, a Comitte of y*" arears that 
weare in y" hands of y- former Constables, that — 

£. s. d. 

James Rice of ye Tax on ye Land, payd 08 15 00 

out Standing, 30 06 01 

Zephaniah Rice of ye Tax on ye Land, payd 12 16 06 

out Standing, 00 00 00 

Jacob Holms of ye meeting house rate, payd 09 11 10 

out Standing, 00 00 00 
Jacob Holmes of ye Thirty five pound. Twelve Shillings 

Tax, payd 16 19 00 

out Standing, ■ 00 09 00 

James mclellen of ye Thirty pound Rate, payd 02 12 10 

out Standing, 00 15 05 
James mclellen of ye Thirty five pound, 1 2 Shilling Rate, 

payd 03 10 06 

out Standing, 00 00 00 



42 Early Records. [1726. 

it appears to us by a Certificuat under y^ assessors hands, of y"-' 
year 1725, that a Rate of fifty five pound was DeUvered to James 
Taylor, Constable, of y* gratuity granted to y'' Revd mr. Isaac Burr 
towards his Setlement, & by y'' accompt of De. Nath" moors — 

it appears that of 

he hath payd nothing, out .Standing, 
and to mr Gersjjjom Rice, Constable, a list of ye Sum of 

out Standing, 
we also find upon a List of 

Comitted to Gershom Rice, Constable, to Colect, being 

a Tax granted for ye Revd mr. Burrs Salerie, payd 

out Standing, 
also on another List Comitted to ye Same Constable of 

payd nothing, out Standing, 
also on a List Comitted to James Taylor, Constable, for 

mr. Burrs .Salerie of 

payd 

out Standing, 
also a List Comitted to ye Same Constable of 

out Standing, 
upon a balance with Decon Nathll moore, Tresurer, we 

find him Debter to ye Town 
we also find in observence to a Tax of Thirty pounds 

granted by ye Inhabitents of Worcester, march 

the Twenty Seventh, 1723, the assessors of Sd Town 

Comitted a List of Eighteen pound, nine Shillings 

with warrent to James Rice, Constable, to Colect 

of which Sum he hath payd in 

out Standing, 

Dated in Worcester, may 6 : 1726 



£■ 


s. 


d. 


55 


00 


00 


55 


00 


00 


45 


00 


00 


45 


00 


00 


17 


12 


03 


13 


14 


08 


03 


17 


07 


17 


12 


03 


17 


12 


03 


22 


07 


09 


16 


10 


00 


05 


17 


09 


22 


07 


09 


22 


07 


09 



lyd in 


13 03 00 
05 06 00 


1726. 


Nath" Jones, 
Moses Lenard, 
Danil Heywood, 



Worcester, April 4 : 1726. 

Pursuant to a vote of y* Inhabitents of Worcester at their 
meeting on y^ first monday of april, in y*" year 1726, being y'' fourth 
Day of y* S'^ month : 



1726.] Toivn of Worcester. 43 

We y" Subscribers Doe hearby Covenant & agree with nir. Jonas 
Rice to be y" Schoole master for S** Town of Worcester and to teach 
Such Children & Youth as any of y*" Inhabitents Shall Send to him : 
to read & to write as y" Law Directs, &c : And to keep Such 
Schoole untill y'' fifteenth Day of December next Ensuing y'^ Date 
hearof : S'^ Schoole to [be] Suported at the Towns Charge. 

Nath" Moore, 1 
Danil Heywood, y Selectmen 
Benj'' Flagg, [ of Worcester. 

James Taylor, J 



at a meeting of y'' Selectmen of Worcester, may the 19 : 1726: 
a Town hyway agreed upon & Laid out from Cpt. Nath" Joneses 
mill Leading to y*" meetinghouse in Sd Town Running four rods 
wide by marked trees on y" westrly Side of Sd road : Said Road 
begins on y'' westrly Side of Cap' Joneses mill, So runing oyer the 
river, Runing a Cross y*" Land of Elisha Rice to y*" Land of James 
holdin, then Leading to & through Lott now in possession of James 
Rice as formerly Stated by y^ Comitte, Said road So far as it runs 
upon Sd Lott to be Six rod wide, thence runing to y*" meetinghouse 
as y'' path is now trod. Six rod wide : at sd meeting Cpt. Jones 
promised to build a bridge over his mill Creek whear y^ Roade runs 
(S: make y*" same good passing at his own Cost, and promises for 
himself & Successors that thay will maintain y*^ Same forever for y'' 
Towns use at their own Charg & Cost. 

Nath" moore, ~) 

•Tames Taylor, I c , . 
•' T ] Selectmen 

moses I^nard, > 



Danil Heywood, 
Benj^ Flagg, 



of Worcester. 



To the Selectmen of y^ Town of Worcester, these may Certifie 
you in order to be Recorded in y'' Town Book, that we whose 
names are under written have assessed on the Inhabitents of Wor- 
cester, one hundred pounds of y** Gratuity granted to y'^ Rev'* mr. 
Isaac Burr towards his Setlement, and have given Lists with war- 
rents to y'' Constables who are Required fully to pay and make 



44 Early Records. [1726. 

up their accompts to & with mr. Nathanil Moore, Tresurer for S** 
Town, or his Sucessors in S'* olifice, at, on or before y*^ 1 1 of Febr, 
1725-6. also we have given a Sertification to y'^ aboves*^ Tresurer 
of y^ Same under our hands bearing Date the 1 1 Day of Dec. 1725. 

Nath" Tones, ) . r 

T ,, \ Assessors of 

Jonahanmore,^ fF.;r../.r. 
Benj'^ Flagg, ) 



To y*' Selectmen of Worcester : these may Certifie you in order 
for a Record to be made of y'' Same, that we whose names are un- 
der written, have assessed y" Inhabitents of Worcester, both poles 
& Estates to Eighty pounds granted by S*^ Town to y*^ Rev'' mr. 
Isaac Burr, in two payments for his Sallirie in y" year 1725, & 
have Comitted two lists to Each Constable in S*" Town with Law- 
full warrents to y"^ Same, who are required to pay in & make up 
k accompt of their first payment to (S: with mr. Nath" Moore, Tres- 
urer for S'' Town or his Sucessors in S'' office, at, on or before y** 
first Day of Janury, 1725-6, and also Each one of them to pay 
in & make up an accompt of their whole Colection of their Second 
payment to & with S'' Tresurer or Sucessor in office at, on or be- 
fore y* 10, of Februry, 1725-6. we have certified y" Same to y® 
above S'' Tresurer under our hands bearing Date, the 1 1 Day of 
Dec. 1725. 

Nath" Tones, ^ . . 

T ^, { Assessors of 

Jonathan moore, \ lYorcester 
Benj" Flagg, ) vyoicester. 



Middlesix, ss. 

(a Warrant obtained by Cp. Jones.) 

To mr. James How, Constable of Worcester in y*^ County of 
midsix. Greeting : 

Complaint being this day made to me, the Subscriber, one of 
his majesties Justices of y'" peace within & for y'' S'' County of mid- 
six, by James Rice & Nath" Jones and twenty Six other Inhabi- 
tents of Worcester, Seting forth that thay prefered a petition to the 
Selectmen of Worcester bearing Date, Septem. y*" first, 1726, pray- 



1726.] Toivn of Worcester. 45 

ing that y'" Town of Worcester might be Called together to Consider 
of ^: act upon Seven articles which ar underwritten, & wear un- 
reasonably Denied, petition being rejected by y*' major part of y" 
Selectmen of S** Town of Worcester on y*^ 10 Day of September, 
1726, wich apears to me the Subscriber by y*" above S'' petition 
& Certification on y' Same Sined by two of y*" Selectmen of Wor- 
cester. 

These are therefor, in his majesties name, to will & recjuire you 
\''^' S'' James How, forthwith to warne & give notice to all y'' free- 
holders & other inhabitents Liveing in S'' Town of Worcester who 
are qualified according to Law to vote in Town affairs, to meet at 
y'' publick meeting house in S'' Worcester, upon y*^ 26 Day of Septr. 
Instent, at 12 of y*" Clock, to Consider upon, give their opinion & 
Determination upo'n )'' arricles hearto Subjoyned, marked by me 
under Subscribing, one of his majesties Justices for S'' County. 

firstly. To See whether y*" Town will petition y*' great & Gen- 
eral Court y' all y*" neet Cattle & horses brought or turned into this 
Town of Worcester for grasing, be Entred in a book by y'' Town 
Clark, kept for that purpose, both natural & artificial marks with 
their age and whose Care & Custodity in S'' Town they are put into. 

2ly, That are not so Klntred Shall be accounted as trespessers 
on our Common or unimproved Lands & be Delt with accordingly 
by our field Drivers. 

3l\-, That y*" Names of y*" proi)er owners l)e Entred in S'' Book 
with what right i-t Intrest of Land in S'' Town they Claime : but if 
not Litrested in Land that a Tax of two or three Shillings on Y 
head be granted by the aboves'' Court for y'' use of y'' town k as- 
sessed by y*" assessors of S'' Town & warranted to y'' Constal>le in 
Like form of other town taxes, S'' tax to be Laid on them in whose 
Custod S'' Cattle are. 

4ly, if y'' town See cause to petition as aboves'', to See if they 
will Choose a Comitte to notifie y'^ neihbouring Towns as Shall be 
thought convenient & give them a meeting to See if they will Joyne 
witli us in y" Like petition. 

5ly, to See what town officers thay are willing to pay for time 
Spent in their Service. 

61y. to See if y*" town will Reconsider a vote past by this town 



46 Early Records. [1726. 

on y*" first Day of y*^ Last march, Concerning Singing in y" publick 
worship of God in this town, it being of an Eclesiastical nature & 
ought not to Stand upon our book of Town Records. 

7ly, to see if y'' Town will petition y" Great & General Court 
for y*^ farm Lands Lying between Worcester & Sutton Lines and 
Qunciggugug pond & oxford Line to be Laid to y'' town of Wor- 
cester During y" Courts pleasure, to Do Duty & Receive privledg, 
& make return of this warrent with your Doings thereon unto y' 
Selectmen of Worcester at or before y" time perfixed for S** meet- 
ing : fail not at your peril, c^c. 

given under my hand & Seal at Leicester, y* fifteenth Day of 
Septem. in y*^ Thirteenth year of his majesties Reign, Annoque 
Domini 1 726. 

J. MiNSES. Justice Peace. 



at a meeting of y"" Inhabitents of Worcester by vertue of a war- 
rent from John Minses,* Esq^ on Sep'". 26 : 1726. at S*^ meeting 
Gershom Rice was Chosen mod^ 

at S** meeting all y® Seven articles Contained in S*^ warrant being 
red & Considered, voted that all ye Seven articles Contained in S** 
warrant be Dismissed. Gershom Rice, mod''. 



Worcester, December 19 : 1726. 

fat a town meeting of y'' freeholders k other Inhabitents met & 
assembled on S*^ Day at Worcester it was voted : 

James Taylor, mod. 

*In Washburn's History of Leicester this name is spelled Minzies and Men- 
zies. 

fThe warrant for this meeting contained the following articles: — 
"3. to See if ye Town will Prefer a Petition to ye great & General Court 
for all ye farm Lands Lying between Hassmissco, Sutton, Oxford & Worcester, 
to be Layd to ye Town of Worcester to Do Duty & recive previledg. 

4. also to see what care ye Town will take to prevent Catle & horses be- 
ing brought in Sd Town. 

5. To See if ye Town will hear what nir. James Rice has to Say before Sd 
Town." 



1727.] 



Town of Worcester. 



47 



1. voted that y'= Town will not have a School, it past in y'' Neg- 
itive. 

2. voted that y*^ Town will not provid a Town Stock. 

James Taylor, modrator. 



at a meeting of y* Inhabitents of Worcester on march 6 : 1726-7, 
for y'' Choice of Town officers for y'' Year Ensuing, at S'^ meeting 
m^ William Jenison was Chose modrator. James How, Constable. 

at S*^ meeting Nathanil moore, Danil Heywood, Gershom Rice 
& William Jenison Chosen Selectmen. 

at S'' meeting Jonas Rice Chosen Town Clerk. 

at S** meeting James Holdin & Joseph Crosby Chose Constables. 

at S*^ meeting Henry Lee Chose T. Tresurer. 

at S*^ meeting william Jenison, Henry Lee & william Gray Chose 
Assessors. 

at S'* meeting James Hamblton, Robert Lothrig, James M'-'lel- 
len, jun. Chose Siirveyrs of highways. 

John Clerk, Gershom Rice, ju\ Chose Tythingmen. 

william Callwell, Andrew Ferrend Chose Fencevewers. 

James Taylor Chose Clark of y*" markitt. 

mathew Gray Sealor of Lether. 

Thomas Rice, David Young Chose hogreivs. 

Robert Peables, James m''lellen, junr., Thomas Haggitt, Andrew 
Ferrend Chose field Drivers. 

Atest : william Jenison, modrator. 

March 6, 1726-7 , 

The Several persons hearafter named being Chosen Town offi- 
cers for y"" year Ensuing weare Sworn in y*" presence & Ijy y'' order 
of y"^ major part of the Selectmen, vizt : 



Jonas Rice, 
Joseph Crosby, 
William Jenison, 
henry Lee, 
William Gray, 
James Hamblton. 



Robert Lothrig, 
James m''lellen, junr. 
James Taylor, 
John Clerk, 
Andrew Ferrend, 



Mathew Gray, 
David Young, 
Robert Peables, 
James m^lellen, jun'. 
Andrew Ferrend, 



48 ■ Early Records. \\']2'], 

March lo : 1727. 

y'^ persons hearafter named Sworn in their office, vizt : 
James holdin, Constable, Thomas Rice, hogreive, 

Henry Lee, T. Tresurer. 

Atest : Jonas Rice, T. Clark. 



at a meeting of y*" Inhabitents of Worcester on March y"' Sixth, 
1726-7, at one of y*" Clock, afternoon, Dec. Nathanil moore being 
Chosen modrator, the following votes weare past, vizt : 

voted that y*' Selectmen Do forthwith make up & Setle y" ac- 
compts with m''. James Taylor, Town Tresurer for y** year 1726. 

Voted that y'' Swine in S*^ Town of Worcester Shall goe at Large 
on y'' Comon y^ hence next Ensuing, being Lawfully yoaked & ring 
ed. Nathanil Moore, modrator. 



at a meeting of y^ Inhabitents of Worcester on may 25 : 1727. 

Voted that James Holding, L. moses Lenard, L. Henery Lee, 
John Hubbart & John Stearns be a Comitte to provid a Schoole 
Master for one Year. James Taylor, modr. 



at a meeting of y*' Inhabitents of Worcester on Sept. 25 : 1727, 
orderly warned, at S'^ meeting Mr. william Jenison was Chosen 
modrator. Jonas Rice, T. Clark. 

Voted that the Inhabitents of Worcester Conribut once a month 
on y" Lords Day after Divine Service for the Suport of y" minister 
in S'* Town untill a Rate can properly be made according to Con- 
tract : Each parson to papre up his money & Subscrib his name on 
y"" papre that So accompt may be taken of Each Parsons money 
and to be Elowed on his Rate when made. 

Voted that D. Nathanil Moore & De. Danil Heywood be y*^ par- 
sons to Receive y'^ money as any parson Shall See cause to Con- 
tribut for y*" Suport of y" ministry in S'' Town and to pay it to y^ 
Rev** mr. Isaac Burr & take receipt. 

Voted that ^4, \os., ood. money be Elowed &• Granted to James 
Rice for ^4, 10 s., ood. which he payd to Ephraim Rice for y* 



1728.] Toivn of Worcester. 49 

Town, y'' money So granted to be raised in y'' next Town tax and 
payd out of y*^ Town Tresurey. 

Voted that a good Sufficant Cart Bridg be Erected & Built over 
halfway river in y" Countrey Road. 

Voted that Gershom Rice, James Rice & william Jeneson be a 
Comittee to order & Direct y*" Surveyrs in Building y^ S'* Bridg. 

Atcst : William Jenison, modrator. 



*at a meeting of y*" Inhabitents of Worcester, Leagly warned, 
November Thirteenth, 1727, the Town by a Vote Chose Decon 
Nathanil moore to Cary on y'^ work of y'' Day. 

first, the Town voted to Chuse three men to be a Comitee to Let 
out and to See that bridg over halfway River be forthwith built and 
at y*^ place where it is alredy begun. 

(2) voted & Chose for y'^ Comitte Sergent James Holdin, D. 
Nathanil moore & Sergent John Stearns. 

(3) voted that y'' fifty pounds formerly granted by y*^ Town to 
be worked out in y*^^ highways, be made into a» rate by y*^ Assessors. 

(4) voted that decon Nath" moor & James Taylor take in y'' 
accompts of y'" Surveyrs. 

Nathanil moore, modrator. 



at a meeting of y"" Inhabitents of Worcester, January 15"^ : i 727-8, 
Regulerly warned, at S'' meeting Gershom Rice was Chosen mod- 
rator. Jonas Rice, T. Clerk. 

Voted that Sixteen pounds. Ten Shillings be assessed on y*^ rate- 
able Inhabitents of Worcester for & towards y*-' Support of y" Schoole 
in S'" Town. 

Voted that two pounds. Eight Shillings & Sixpence be assessed 
on y" Inhabitents of Worcester to pay y'' Charge of y" presentment 

*One article in the warrant was : "to Elect & Deput one or more parsons 
being freeholders & Resedent in this Town according to ye number Set and 
Limited by an act of the General assembly to Serve for and Represent them 
in a C'irate and (general Court or assembly apointed to be convened, held 
& Kept for his majesties Service at the Court house in Boston, upon Wednes- 
day ye Twenty Second Day of November Current." 



50 Early Records. [1728. 

for want of a Schoole, S*^ money to be assessed with that granted 
for y" Support of a Schoole in S'' Town. Gershom Rice, modr. 



At a meeting of y" Inhabitents of Worcester, march 4*'': 1727-8. 
Regularly warned for y*" Choice of Town officers for y'' year Ensu- 
ing, Cpt. William Jenison was Chosen modr. 

Jonas Rice, T. Clark, 
at S'' meeting 

Dec. Nath" moore, C. william Jennison, mr. Benj" Flagg, mr. 
James Rice & Jonas Rice Chosen Selectmen. 

Gershom Rice, junr., Thomas Glezen, Constables. 
mr. Henry Lee, Town Tresurer. 
Jonas Rice, Chosen T. Clerk. 

Jacob Holmes, James Hamblton, Thomas Parker & John Gray, 
Surveyers of highways. 

Jonas Rice, Cpt. william. Jenison, mr. Palmer Golding, Assessors. 

Elicksander niTvonky, Thomas Haggitt, Tythingmen. 

Aaron Adams, Jotham Rice, fenceviewers. 

Tirus Rice, David Young, Field Drivers. 

James Tailor, Clerk of y*^ markitt. 

mathew Gray, Sealor of Lether. 

John Stearns, Edward King, Jonas Rice junr., hogreives. 

Atest : William Jenison, modrator. 
march 4 : 1727-8. The Several parsons hearafter Named being 
Chosen Town officers for y'' year Ensuing wear Sworn by order & 
in y^ presence of y*" major part of the Selectmen, vizt : 

Jonas Rice, Thomas Haggit, Jacob Holmes, 

william Jennison, James Hamblton, Tiras Rice, 

Palmer Goldin, John Gray, Thomas Parker, 

Henry Lee, mathew Gray, Aaron Adams. 



at a meeting of y" Inhabitents of Worcester on march 4 : i 727-8, 
for the manigment of Town affairs, at S'^ meeting L. Henr)' Lee 
was Chosen modrator. 

Voted that Gershom Rice, Cpt. will. Jenison, mr. John Hub- 
burd, mr. James holdin & mr. Palmer Golding be a Comitte to 



1728.] Tozvn of Worcester. 51 

take Care & Cause y'" meetinghouse for y" Publick worship of God 
in S*^ Town to be finished at y*" Charge of y" Town : S'' Comitte 
or y" major part of them are hearby Impowered to See that it be 
Don Decsently according to their best Discretion, and make return 
to y" Town of their proceedings in S'^ affair. 

Voted That y*" Selectmen of y'' Town take care & Setle accompts 
with L. Henry Lee, Town Tresurer for y*" Year Last past. 

Voted That D. Danil Heywood, Zepheniah Rice & wilham Gray 
be a Comitte to Setle accompts with y"" Rev'^ mr. Isaac Burr Re- 
specting his Setlements (S: Salery & make return to y'' Town in or- 
der for Record. 

Voted That y'' Swine in S'' Town go at Larg y*' year Ensuing. 

Henry Lee, modrator. 

Voted that no parson being Inhabiting within y'' Town of Wor- 
cester, bring in or recive any neat Catle or horses whatsoever to 
run or feed on y'^ Comon Land of S'' Town for y'" Summer Ensuing 
of any parson or parsons whatsoever. Excepting Such as properly 
belong to propriators or freeholders in S*^ Town, on penelty of pay- 
ing to y'' Town Tresurer of S*^ Town three Shillings for Each head 
received or brought in as aforesd, for the use of y" Town : 

Voted that C. william Jennison be Desired to make aplycation to 
y^ Court of General Sessions of y*" peace for their aprobation of 
this vote accordingly. Henry Lee, modr. 



at a meeting of y*" Inhabitents of Worcester, march 29, Regu- 
lerly warned. Cpt. william Jennison was Chosen modrator. 

Jonas Rice, T. Clerk. 

Voted at S'' meeting that y'' Town receive their proportion of y'' 
Sixty Thousend pound in Bills of Creditt granted by y*^ grate & 
General Court. 

Voted That the hundred (S: Seventy pound, fifteen Shillings 
granted by y*" grate & general Court to y'' Town of Worcester be 
Let out on Intrest not Exceeding Ten pounds to any one par- 
son & not under five pounds any one parson. 

at S'^ meeting mr. Nathanil moore, mr. Danil Heywood & rar. 
John Hubbard weare Chosen Trustees for Worcester to receive y'' 



52 Early Records. [1728. 

Towns proix)rtion of ^6000 of y*" province Tresurer & Let out S"* 
money agreeable to y" votes of y** Town. 

Voted That Joseph Crosby be axepted to Serve as Constable in 
y'^ room of Thomas Glezen for y'' year Ensuing & accordingly was 
Sworn to y'' faithfuU Discharg of his office. 

Voted that Thomas Stearns be y" parson to take care of and 
Sweep y*" meeting house for y*^ year Ensuing, & Shall Recive j[^\, 
-4-0 for his Service. 

Voted & Elowed to James Rice, 5 Shillings for a Lock now on 
y*" meeting house Dore. 

Voted that y*' Licourigment for killing of Ratle Snakes in S'' 
Town Shall be three pence for every Ratle Snakes Taile or ratle So 
killed & brought to one or more of y'" Selectmen, who are Directed 
to recive y*^ Same. 

Voted That y*^ Several Sums granted being Town Debts to y*^ 
Several parsons hearafter named, be made into a Tax & Comitted 
to y^ Constables to Colect, vizt : 

to James Holdin for Serving as Assessor in ye year 1726, 

to william Gray for Serving as Assessor in ye. year 1726, 

to william Gray for Serving as Assessor in ye year 1727, 

to Cpt. william Jenison for Serving as Assessor in ye year 1727, 01 04 00 

to Palmer Golding for Service Don for ye Town, 

to Palmer Golding for money advanced for ye Town, 

to James Rice for money advanced for ye Town, 

to Cp. Nathll. Jones for plank & timber for Several Brid 

to James Rice for a Stock Lock on ye meetinghouse, 

William Jennison, modrator. 



£. 


s. 


d. 


01 


10 


QsO 


01 


10 


00 


02 


02 


00 


01 


04 


00 


01 


10 


00 


01 


15 


03 


03 


03 


09 


04 


18 


II 


00 


05 


00 



at a meeting of y*" freeholders of y'' Town of Worcester, on may 
Twenty third, 1728, for y^ Choice of a Representative, at S*^ meet- 
ing Cpt. william Jennison was Chosen for that Ser^ace.* 

Jonas Rice, Town Clerk. 

at a meeting of y*^ Lihabitents of Worcester on may 23 : 1728, 
orderly warned, Benjamin Flagg being Chosen modrator, y*" follow- 
ing votes were past, vizt : 

*This is the first record of the choice of a representative by the town. Lin- 
coln in his history states that Nathaniel Jones was chosen in 1727. 



1729.] Toiun of Worcester. 53 

Voted that Benj" Hagg, J"'-, mr. Palmer Golding & mr. Daniel 
Hubbard be a Comitte to j)rovid a Schoolmaster y'' year Ensuing. 

Voted that the money formerly Granted for finishing y" meeting 
house be i)a\'d by y'' Town Tresure^-'to y'' present Comitte for that 
Service. Benj" Flagg, modrator. 



October the 11"' : 172S. 

at a meeting of the Selectmen, present Nath" moore, Benj" Flag 
& Jonas Rice, at S'' meeting ordered that Thomas Stearns be the 
pound keeper till further order. 



*At a meeting of the Inhabitents of Worcester Duly Qualified to 
vote In the Choice of Town officers, regularly assembled on march 
y'' 3'': 1728-9. At S** meeting Cpt. Wiliam Jenison was Chosen 
modrator. Jonas Rice, T. Clerk. 

D. Nathaniel moore, Capt. Wiliam Jenison, James Holden, D. 
Danil Heywood, Zephaniah Rice, Selectmen. 

Zephaniah Rice, T. Clerk. 

mathew Gray, Constable of the South presink. 

Thomas Haggit being Chosen Constable, Refused to Ser\'e in 
S" office. 

James moore being Chosen Constable, Refused to Serve in S'' 
ofi^. 

Thomas Starns being Chosen Constable Refused to Serve in 
S** office. 

Robert peables being Chosen Constable, Refused to Serve in S** 
office. 

Daniel W^ard, Constable of the North i)resink. 

D. Nathaniel Moore, T. Treasurer. 

Benj" Flagg, jur., moses Rice, william Gray, assessors. 

Jonathan Wiliard, Daniel Hubbard, Joseph Crosbey, william 
Callwell, Surveyers of highways. 

voted at S*" meeting that — 

*The warrant contained the following article : — 

" — to se if the Toune will consider of what may be proper for the Touii 
to Do with reference to a New County As Lately proposed." 



54 Early Records. [1729. 

Jacob Holmes and David Young be Tithingmen for the year 
ensuing. 

James Tailor, Clerk of the marcket. 

Jonathan moore, Sealer of Leather. 

William macklelan, Samuell (xray, Collins moore, Thomas Gle- 
zen, hogreives. 

Daniel Hubbard, Richard Ward, fenc Viewers. 

moses Rice, Jonas Rice, field Drivers. 
iMarch 3'', 1728-9. The Several persons here after named Being 
Chosen Town officers for the year ensuing, were Sworne in the 
presence and by the order of the major part of the Selectmen, 
namly : Zephaniah Rice, D. Nathaniel moore, mathew Gray, 
Daniel Ward, Jonathan Williard, Joseph Crosbey, Daniel Hubburd, 
William macklelan, Samuell Gray, Richard Ward, Daniel Hub- 
burd, moses Rice, William Gray, Moses Rice. 

Atest: Zephaniah Rice, T. Clerk. 
March 7"', 172S-9. the persons hereafter named being Chosen 
into there Several offices on march the third, were Sworn to theire 
offices : David Young, Jacob Holmes, Tythingmen ; Jonas Rice, 
junr. Atcst: Zephaniah Rice, T. Clerk, 

may the 15 : 1729. William Colwell was Sworne to the office of 
Surveir in presence of major part of Selectmen. 

Atcst: Zephaniah Rice, T. Clerk. 

Whereas the Bridg made over the Swift River below Capt. Joneses 
milldam is now CaiTied away by the violence of the flood, and it 
being a very hazardous place to Builde a Bridge, — Voted that no 
Bridg be built below S'' mill Dam at the Towns Charge, and the 
Town Dis Continue that part of the Road accordingly. 

February the 25 : 1728-9. Upon the Request of Severall of the 
inhabitents of the South part of Worcester, Desireing us the Sub- 
scribers, the Selectmen of Worcester, to Lay them A conveniant 
way from the outside of the Town Bounds Next oxford into the 
Town to meeting and other Buisnes, accordingly we have on the 
Day abovesd Layed out a way for the Conveniency of the inhabi- 
tents of the Town Living on that part Called Bogochog, where it 
is best for the publick Benefit and the least Damig to particular per- 



1729.] Town of Worcester. 55 

sons, wich way is Laid out as followelh, nainl)' : Begining at the 
South Line of the Town at the i)ath Leading to oxford, a white 
oack tre being marcked on the west Side of the way, from thence 
the way Runs Northerly to a white 'Oack tree marcked from thence 
Running to another White oack tree marcked, Stanchng on Daniel 
Bigglows Land against the Corner of Gershom Rices fence, and from 
S'' marcked tree as the way now goeth whilst it comes throw the 
Land of the S'' Gershome Rices, and So to a white oack tree marck- 
ed Standing on S*^ Bigglows Land on the west Side of the way, and 
so along throw the Land of m"". John Smith as the way is Laid out, 
with marcked trees on the westerly Sid of the way till it comes to 
the River near m''. Smiths house where Jonathan willianl Liveth, a 
walnut tree being marcked on the South Side the River Clos by 
the Side of S*^ River and on the west Side of the way, frome thence 
Runing over S'' River throw m^ Smiths entervail and field to a 
Small gray oak tree marked Standing in the north or noreast Cor- 
ner of the fence that Fences in S'' field, Leving the Barn and hous 
of mr. Smiths wheare Jonathan Willianl Liveth on the east Side of 
Said way, and from Said Small gray oak tree marked Strait to a whit 
oak tre marked Standing on the Land of Zebadiah Rices Land on 
the west Side of S'' way near the west end of a pine Swampe, from 
thence to a pine tree marked Standing on the Land of Clarck, 

and So to a Small blak oak tree marked, near the Sid of the Ceder 
Swamp, from thence to a Small white oak tree marked Standing on 
the Land of Cornet John Hubburd, and from thence the way 
Runing Sumthing Bowing to the east throw the S'' Hubburds Land 
to a Reed oak tree marked Standing on S*^ Hubburds Land near the 
Contry Road,and So from thence to the Contrey Road, trees being 
marcked only on the west Side of Said way, we having Laid Said 
way throw mr. Smiths Land where Lift. Henery Lee, attorney to 
mr. Smith, Desired us. the Said way is Laid out two Rods and 
an half rod wide throwout from one end to the other. 

William Jenison, Benjamin Flagg, Nath" moore, Selectmen of 
Worcester. 

The Town acsepts of this Return untill it comes to the Road 
Leading from halfway River to epharaim Rice's house. 

William Jenison, moder. 



56 Early Records. [1729. 

At Said meeting, Voted : Lt. Henry Lee, Gershom Rice, ju., & 
James Hambleton be a Committe to See that a good Bridge be 
erected over y'^ River near the house where Jonathan WiUiard now 
Dwells. William Jenison, moderator. 

Worcester, february the 28:1 728-9 : upon the Request of John 
Starns, John Clerck and mathew Clerck, inhabitents of the Town of 
Worcester, Desireng a way mite be Laid out for theme to be con- 
veniant to goe to the publick worship and on other ocasions, we 
the Subscribers, Selectmen of the Town of Worcester, on the Day 
above Said, have Laid out a way So far as was of nesesety Near 
the house of mr. Cornelius Waldo begining at a great Read oak 
tree marcked, near the Saw mill Standing on the Line betwene the 
Lands of S'^ Waldo and william Jenison, the tree being on the east 
Side of Said way, and from thence a Strait Line to a Small white 
oak tree marked Standing on the Land of Sd Waldos, and is on the 
east Sid of Said way, the way to be two Roads wide So far as we 
have Laid it out : William Jenison, Benjamin Flagg, Jonas Rice, 
Selectmen of Worcester. 

Accsepted : William Jenison, moderator. 

Worcester, December 25 : 172S. Application having been made 
to us ye Subscribers, by John Dunkin, elijah Cook and Thomas 
Parker in behalfe of themselves and others, Inhabitents of Worces- 
ter, praying that a way be Laid out from the house of y*" Said John 
Dunkin in which they may conveniently pass To the place of pub- 
lick worship, and having taken a view of the ground are of opinion 
that the way will be most Convenient for the Neighbourhood in 
that part of the Town and most advantagious to the publick to be- 
gin at a Reed oak tree Standing at the fut of a hill near the house 
of John Dunkin, from thence at the northerly eand of a Small 
Swamp then turning a Little easterly and Runing on the Southerly 
Side of the house of Elijah Cook by marked trees to Land of 
Thomas Parker, and So through the Southwesterly Corner of Sd 
parkers Field to his house, thene runing by trees already marked 
through the Land of James macklellen. So entring the Countrey 
Road at the westerly Corner of Sd macklellens Field as now Im- 
proved, the way to Ly on the easterly Side of Sd markt trees as 
Denoted. 



1729-] Tozvn of Woi^cester. ' 57 

Nath" moore, Benjamin Flagg, Jonas Rice, Selectmen for Wor- 
cester 

Axcepted : William Jenison, modrater. ' 

At a meeting of the Selectmen of Worcester, Febr. 4 : 1728-9 : 
At the Request of Daniel Hubburd, Zephaniah Rice, obadiah ward 
and Isaac Ward, Inhabitants of Worcester, to view and Lay out a 
convenient way for theme to come to the place of publick worship, 
and have taken a view accordingly. Are of the o])inion that S'' way 
will be most Convenient for the S'' lnhal)itants And least preagu- 
dishal to the publick to Begin at a whit oak tree Standing in llie 
Land of Isaac ward, from thence Runing to a Black biirch tree 
marked. Thence to a white oake tree marked, thence Straigt to a 
Read oake tree marcked near the house of obadiah ward, and so 
through the Land of obadiah ward cross The Brook, thene Run- 
ing betwene the Land of Joshua Rice and the niinestarel Land to 
the C'ountrey Road, Said way being two Roads wide from the Land 
of Isaac Ward till it comes over the Brook, and from S'' Brook to 
the Countrey Road four Roods wide, the Road Lying on the west- 
erly Side of the marked trees as is Denoted by the marks. 

william Jenison, Benjamin Flagg, Nathaniel moore, Jonas Rice, 
Selectmen of Worcester. 

Accepted : William Jenison, moderator. 

Voted that the meeting be adjorned to the Last monday of march 
Currunt, at ten of the Clok before noone, At the meeting house. 

William Jinison, moderator. 



At a meeting of the inhabitents of Worcester orderly meet at the 
meetting house in Worcester by adjoyrnment from monday the 
third day of march, 172S-9, to the Last monday of march : 1729, 
the following votes were pased. 

Voted that Thomas Starnes be an assessor for the year insuing. 
and was Sworne to Sd office in the presence of the Selectmen. 

voted that the Town axsepts the Returne of the Commite to 
Recon with the Re"'' Isaac Burr, an that it Be put upon Record. 

^Villiam Jenison, moderator. 

Att a meeting with a Commite of Worcester, February : i 7"' : 



58 * Early Records.. [1729. 

1728-9, Chosen to adjust and Settele accounts for S'' Town with 
me the Subscriber, upon the account of m}' Settlement and Sallery, 
who are namely : Dea" Daniel Heywood, Zephaniah Rice and Wil- 
liam Gray, Committee. 

Then Reckoned with them frome October, 1724 : to march, A : 
Dom : 1727-8, aud their Remaines Due to S** Town to ballance 
accounts the Sume of Six pounds, Eight Shilings and ten pence 
money. 

as witness: Isaac Burr. 

John miller. 

James A'tf? Wallis, his marck. 



Att a meetting of the inhabitents of Worcester Reugarly assembled 
att the meeting house on march the 31 : 1729: att S'' meeting 
Capt. William Jenison being Chosen moderator the foloing votes 
wer past. Zep. Rice, T. Clerk. 

voted to the Several persons hereafter named, the Several Sumes 
affixed to their names, as namly : 

£. s. d. £. s. d. 

To mr. James How, i lo oo 

To mr. Daniel Hubburd o 02 06 

To mr. James moore, o 08 00 

To mr. moses Rice, 00 03 03 
To mr. Samuell Thompson, 

00 05 00 

To mr. Ephraim Roper 00 02 09 

To mr. Collins moore, 00 07 00 

Worcesters proportion for laying out the Road from Brook- 
field to marlborough ordered by the Court of general Ses- 
sions of the peace, is 09 01 II 

voted that the accounts brought in to the town by the Surveiors 
and by Several other persons as they are on file with the town 
Clerck, whose names are as folloeth, be allowed by the town as 
namely : Palmer Goulding, Jacob Holmes, James Hammelton, 
James moore, Robburt Lothrige, Robburt Pibles, John Gray, 
James m*^lellan, Robburt Pibles, James moore, Robert Lothrige, 



To Capt. Jonas Rice, 


I 


6 





To mr. Gashom Rice, 





14 


10 


To mr. Thomas Starns, 


I 


4 





To mr. Thomas Starns, 





2 





To Lift. Henery Lee, 





18 





To Lift. Henery Lee, 


I 


00 


00 


To Lift. Henery Lee, 





18 


00 


To mr. Palmer Goulden, 


I 


06 


00 


To mr. James How, 





II 


08 



1729.] Town of Worcester. . 59 

Surveiors for Worcester, D" Nathaniel moore, Henery Lee, Gershom 
Rice, junr., Zephaniah Rice, Daniel ward, Isaac ward, James Hold- 
ing, Phineas Jones. 

voted That the Several Sumes granted, exsepting the highway 
accounts, be forthwith assessed on the Town of Worcester and 
committed to the Con''''' with Sufifisient warrant to Colect the Same. 

William Jenison, moderator. 

voted that the Selectmen Take Care to provide a Schoole mas- 
ter to edducate youth in S'' Town for the year ensuing. 

voted thre pence a Taile to any person in Worcester that Shall 
kill any Rattle Snake l>etwen this time and the Last Day of may, 
and Bring theire Tails in to the Selectmen of S'' Town Before the 
S*^ Last Day of may. 

voted that the Swine goe at Large this year ensuing, they being 
Reguarly yoked and Ringed according to Law. 

voted that the Con'*''' warne Town meetings for the futer by go- 
ing from house to house. 

voted that the meeting be adjourned to the third thirdsday in 
may, it being the fiftenth day, at ten a Clock in the forenoone at 
the meeting house. Attest: william Jenison, moderator. 



at a meeting of the inhabitents of Worcester Reguarly assembled 
at the meeting house on march the 31 : 1729 : the foloing votes 
past, viz : Benjamin flagg, junr.. Chosen modderator. 

Zephaniah Rice, Town Clerck. 

voted that Daniel ward is to Sweep the meeting house in S*' Town 
for the year ensuing, and for S*^ worck the town voted that he Shall 
have twenty Shilings. 

voted that the meeting be adjorned to the third thirsday of may 
to meet att the meeting house in S'' town att twelve of the Clock 
at noon. Benjamin Flagg, moderator. 



Worcester, may the 15 : 1739. at a meeting of the Selectmen 
of Worcester, then agreed with 'insin Benjamin flagg to Stand 
Schoole master in Worcester to teach Children and youth to Read 
and write untill the fifetenth Day of September Next ensuing. 



6o Early Records. [1729. 

At a meeting of the freeholders and other inhabitents of and Be- 
longing to Worcester, Reugguarly assembled by adjournment from 
monday the 31 day of march, 1729 : to thirdsday the 15 day of 
may, 1729, and being then meet — 

voted that the meeting be adjorned to three of the Cloock in the 
afternoon to meet at the meeting house in S'^ Town, on this 1 5 day 
of may, 1729 : WiUiam Jenison, modderator. 

Zephaniah Rice, t. Clerck. 

and then being meet according to S*^ adjornment and 

voted at S'' meeting that fifty pounds be granted and Raised on 
the inhabitants of this town for the further finishing the meeting 
house in S*^ Town. 

voted that ten pounds be granted and Raised on the inhabitants 
of Worcester to pay for Building the Bridge over halfe way River, 
and added to the town Rat granteci on the 31 day of Last march, 
1729: and Be paid by the treashuerer to the commity of S'' Bridge 
and by them paid proportionably to those men that did S"" worck. 

voted that 40 : pounds be granted and Levied on the inhabitants 
of Worcester for the Repairing highways and Bridges in S*^ Town, 
and be forthwith by the assessors made by the Last years invoice 
and Coppyes attested by the assessors of S"^ Rats Be comited to 
each Surveior of his Scjuardern, and he to warn each person to 
worck out his Rat, and the person so working to take a Receipt of 
S'^ Surveir and it to be allowed him out of his Rat, and if any per- 
son Shall Refuse to worck out their Rat as Directed, then the as- 
sessors to Commit S"* List to the Constable or Constables to colect 
the Same to be improved for the Service aforsd. also voted that 
each person working under the Surveirs to be allowed 4 Shilings 
per Day and for a pair of oxen 2 Shilings per Day. 

William Jenison, modderator. 



At a meeting of the inhabitents of this town orderly assembled 
att the meeting house in Worcester on the 15"' Day of may, 1729, 
by adjornment from the 31 Day of march, 1729, and being then 
meet the foUoing votes were past : 

voted that the Selectmen agree with Som Suitable person to 
Dig graves for the futer as occasion may Be. 



1729.] Town of Worcester. 61 

voted that whereas the Road formerly Laid out on the northerly 
Side of Daniel Wards house Loot being very difiicult for traviling 
in, and the consideration of the coast of mending the Same, that 
S** Road be Discontinued from the ^Gentry Road So far as it Runs 
Throw S*' Wards Land, and that the Selectmen be Desiered to Lay 
out a Road in the most Suitable plase in the Room of the former 
in order to be Laid before the Town at next march meeting. 

Benjamin Flagg, moderator. 



At a meeting of the inhabitents of Worcester orderly assembled 
on the fiftenth Day of may : 1729, then met. Cap', william Jenison 
was Chosen modderator, and voted that the meeting be adjorned 
to three of the Clock in the afternoon, and then accordingly to S'' 
adjornment being meet, — 

Voted and Chosen five men a Commity for the finishing the 
meeting house in S'' Town, are as foloing, namly : James Holding, 
John Hubburd, Thomas Starnes, Benjamin Flagg, ju. and Daniel 
\\^ard. 

voted that S*^ Commite Do Take kare and Se how the former 
Committe Disposed of the fifty pound formerly granted for the 
meeting house in S'' Town. 

voted that S'^ Commity for the meeting house do call to an ac- 
count a Commite formerly impoured to dispose of Sum Lime for- 
merly provided for the meeting house. 

William Jenison, modr. 



*At a meeting of the Inhal)itants of Worcester orderly Assembled 
at the meeting house in S"^ Town on October the 7, 1729, and then 
meet, mr. James Tailor was Chosen modderator. 

Zephaniah Rice, T. Clerk. 

♦Extract from the warrant : — 

"to See if the Town will grant Liberty to Capt. William Jenison, Ins. Ben- 
jamin Flagg, mr. James Holdin and Daniel ward to Remove the two hinde 
Seats Both in the mens and womens Seats in the meeting house, and Build 
each of them a pue for them and their fannnilcs to Set in. 

To See if the Town will add the mi<ldel alle in the meting house to thu 
Seats on the mens Side." 



62 Early Records. \\']2iO. 

voted if the Town will Build a School house, it passed on the 
Neggative. 

Voted that the Town will Let out for Sume terme of time, the 
two ten acor Lots of School Land Lying near the metting house 
in S'' town and the two acors of meddow Belonging thereunto Ly- 
ing in prospect meddow, to be Subdued and Brought two. 

Voted that their be a Committe of three men to Let out S** 
School Land. 

Voted that they are as foloeth, namly : mr. James Tailor, James 
Holdin and Benj" flagg. 

Voted at S*^ meeting that a Rat or Tax of fourten pounds be 
granted and Levied on the inhabitants of Worcester for the Sup- 
port of a School in Worcester of what is past the Last year and for 
the present year. 

Voted that S'' Rat or Tax of fourten pounds be assessed on the 
inhabitants of Worcester with the Last Town Rat in Said town which 
was granted on march the 31 : 1729, & on may the 15 : 1729. 

James Taylor, moderator. 



Att a meeting of the freeholders and other Inhabitents of Wor- 
cester Quallified to vote in y'^ Choice of town ofificers, and those 
Quallified to vote in other affairs of this town, orderly warned and 
assembled at the meeting house in Said town on monday the Sec- 
ond Day of march : 1729-30 : and being then mett — 

voted : at Said Meeting that Cap'. W". Jenison be mod'"^ to 
Regulate Said meeting. Zephaniah Rice, town Clark. 

voted : at Said meeting that there be but five Selectmen in this 
town for this year. 

voted at Said meeting that Cap'. W". Jenison, Deacon Nat" 
moore. Cap'. Jonas Rice, mr. James Holdin & Benj" Flagg, Jun : 
be Selectmen for the present year. 

voted att Said meeting y' Benj" Flagg, Ju^ be town Clerk. 

voted att Said meeting that W"'. Caldwell be Constable for the 
South presinct. 

voted att Said meeting that W". Caldwell be Dismissed from 
Serving as Constable. 



I730-] Town of Worcester. (i2> 

voted att Said meeting that Thomas Haggett be Constable for 
the South presinct. 

voted : att Said meeting that the town accepts of mr. Pahner 
CxOukHn to Serve as Constable in the'Room of Thomas Haggett. 

voted at Said meeting y' James M'clellan be Constable for y'' 
north presinct. 

voted at Said meeting y' Deac : Nat" moore be Town Treaseroi;. 

voted at Said meeting Jotham Rice, obediah Ward, Benj'^ Town- 
send & Thomas Gleeson be Surveyors of highways. 

voted at Said meeting y' Ephraim Rice and Joseph Crosby be 
Tythingmen. 

voted at Sd meeting y' mr. James Tayler be Clark of y*" markitt. 

voted : at Said meeting y' Jotham Rice be Sealer of Leather. 

voted at Said meeting y' Thomas Hambleton & Benj'' gates be 
hogg Reaves. 

voted at Said meeting y' David Young & Isaac Sanger be fence 
viewers. 

voted at Said meeting that the Swine Do go at Large in Wor- 
cester for the year Ensuing, they being properly yoaked and wring- 
ed according to Law. 

voted : at Said meeting that the town of Worcester will Indem- 
nify the town of Stow against any Charge that Shall arise on the 
account of an infant Child of Rob'. Craford, called matthew, which 
is put to John Swan's of Stow to Nurse, as the Child is att Said 
Swan's to Nurse. 

voted : att Said meeting that the Town w^ill make four free Con- 
trabutions to the Rev'' m"". Isaac Burr for this year, and the Dea- 
cons to Receive the mony and to Deliver the Same to the Rev"' 
m''. Burr, and y^ first Contrabution to be on the first Sabbath of 
april next. Wiliam Jenison, moderator. 

Worcester, march 2 : 1729-30. the Persons hereafter named 
Do Enter their Desents againest the proceedings of the work of this 
Day by Reason that Some tennants are allowed to vote in the 
Choice of Town officers, Namely : Moses Rice, Jonathan moore, 
Ephraim Roper, James moore, Isaac moore. 

Attest : Zephaniah Rice, Town Clerk. 



64 Early Records. [i730- 

March 2 : i 729-30. 
The Persons hereafter Named being Chosen town offecers for 

the Ensuing year were Sworn in the presents of the major part of 

the Selectmen to the faithfull Discharge of their Respective offices, 

(viz.) 
Benj* Flagg, Jun"". thomas Gleezen, Benj" Gates, 
Palmer Gouldin, Jotham Rice, Thomas Hambleton, 

James M^'clellan, James Tayler, David Young, 

Dec. Nat^' moore, Jotham Rice, Isaac Sanger, 

obediah Ward. Attest: Benj" Flagg, Town Clerk. 

Ephraim Rice being Chosen Tythingman for y* year 1 730, was 

Sworn to the faithfull Discharge of his office In the presence of the 

major part of y" Selectmen, march 6 : 1729-30. 

Attest: Benj" Flagg, Town Clerk. 
Benj'' Townsend being Chosen a Surveyor for highways for the 

year 1 730 : was Sworn to the faithfull Discharge of his office In the 

presence of y*^ marjor part of the Selectmen, march 31 : 1730. 

Attest: Benj" Flagg, Town Clerk. 



At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Worcester orderly Warned 
and assembled at y^ meeting house in Said town on Thursday the 
23 : Day of april : i 730 : — 

at Sd meeting Cap'. W'". Jenison was Chosen moderator. 

Benj"' Flagg, Town Clerk, 
voted at Said meeting to y*^ Several persons hereafter named the 
Several Sums affixed to their names, (viz.) : 

to Danl ward for Sweeping ye meeting house in Sd town 

ye yeare 1729: ;i^oi-oo-o 

to Wm. Gray, Jur. for making of Rates 15 Days in ye yeare 1729, i-io-o 
to Thos Starnes for making of Rates 11 Days in ye yeare 1729, i- 2-0 
to James Taylor for nails paid by him for ye use of ye town, o- 5-0 

to James moore for killing 30 Ratle Snakes in ye Last year, 
to mosses Rice for killing 14 Ratle Snakes ye Last year, 
to andrew Mcfarlon for killing 14 Snakes ye Last year, 
to Collins moor for killing ten Snakes ye Last year, 
to Wm. Caldwel for killing 6 in ye Last year, 
to John Clark for killing 1 1 Snakes in 1 729, 

04-18-3 



o- 7-6 

o- 3-6 

o- 3-6 

o- 2-6 

o- 1-6 

o- 2-9 



1730.] Town of Worcester. 65 

votetl at Said meeting that y'' aJDOve Said Sums allowed be as- 
sessed and made in y" next Rate. 

the above 'accompt payd. 

voted at Said meeting y' y'' town 'will Choose a Com''' of three 
men to Setle accts with y'" Last Years Treaserer and to mak return 
to the town at their next meeting. 

voted : at Sd meeting y' Capt. W". Jenison, mr. James Taylor i^i: 
mr. Zep : Rice be y" Com''*^^ for Said Service. 

voted at Said meeting that the Selectmen provide a Righting 
School for y'' town until y'' first of October next. 

voted at Said meeting that thomas Starnes Keep y'' Keeys of y* 
meeting house and Sweep y'' meeting house and open y" Doors and 
bring water as there Shall be ocasion to l)aptize Children for one 
year, & to have twenty Shillings for Said Service. 

voted at Said meeting y' y*^ Selectmen appoint Som Suitaljle per- 
son to Digg Graves in Said town as there Shall l)e ocasion & to 
Keep y" burying Cloath. 

\'Oted at Sd meeting y' y*" town allow thre pence for Every Ratle 
Snake killed in Sd town and y'' tails brought to y'' Selectmen for the 
Ensuing year. 

voted at Said meeting y' the town Choos a C^om'''*" of five men 
to Examin y" ace'" brought in or to be Brought in about highway 
work, and to Lay before y"" town at their next meeting what they 
think proper for y" town to act in that matter in order y' Justice 
may be Don. 

voted at Said Meeting that Cap'. W'". Jenison, lienj" P'lagg, Ju^ 
Zei)h : Rice, Cap'. Jonas Rice and Richard Ward be a Com"'" for 
Said Service. William Jenison, moderator. 



Att a meeting of the Inhabitants of Worcester orderly Warned 
& mett on fryday y" 15"' of May, 1730 : at Said meeting Cap'. W"\ 
Jenison was Chosen Moderator. Renj" Flagg, town Clerk. 

Voted at Said Meeting y' the meeting be adjourned to the 25"' 
of this Instant May at three of y'' Clock afternoon at the Meeting 
house in Said town. William Jenison, Moderator. 



66 . Early Records. \\']'i)Q. 

Att a Meeting of the Inhabitants of Worcester orderly Mett by 
an adjournment at y*^ Meeting house in Said town on y** twenty 
fifth Day of May, 1 730. 

Voted at Said Meeting y' y^ Return of y*" Com'''' appointed to 
Setle accts with y*" Last years Treasuror be accepted & Kept on file. 

William Jenison, Moderator. 

Cap'. Jonas Rice, Cap'. William Jenison, mr. James Holdin and 
Benj'' Flagg, Ju''. being appointed assessors for the Town of Wor- 
cester for the year 1730, were Sworn to the Faithfull Discharge of 
their office. Attest: Benj" Flagg, Town Clerk. 



att a meeting of the Inhabitants of Worcester orderly warned & 
mett on Monday the 16"' of November, 1730 : at Said Meeting 
Benj" Flagg, Ju"". was Chosen Moderator. 

Attest: Benj" Flagg, town Clerk. 

voted at Said Meeting that the town will provide a School to 
Instruct the youth in Said town in writing and Reading untill the 
Last of March next. 

voted at Said Meeting that the town will Choose a Com"""^ of five 
men to provide a School Master at the Charge of the town to In- 
struct the youth in Said town in writing and Reading, and Said 
Com'*^*" to order where the School Shall be Kept in Said town untill 
the Last of March next. 

voted at Said Meeting that Li". Henry Lee, Palmer Goulding, 
James Moore, James M^'Clellan and Gershom Rice, Junior, be a 
Com'™ for the Providing a School as above Said. 

voted at Said Meeting that the Inhabitants now Dwelling in the 
north part of Worcester be freed from paying town Rates in the 
South part of Worcester for the term of Seven years, that is to Say 
Such of Said Inhabitants as Shall actualy give Bond to Such person 
as the town Shall appoint to Defend the S'' town from mending 
highways & building of Bridges and from the Charge of Laying out 
highway or town Roads in Said north part, and from all charge 
that Shall or may arise by any presentment of any highway or town 
Road in Said north part that is or may be Laid out in Sd north 
part for the Space of Seven years. 



I73I-] Toiuu of Worcester. 67 

voted at Said Meeting that the Security or bond al)Ove Mention- 
ed is to be Given to the Present town Treasurer and his Successor 
in Said otifice, & Said bond or penalty to be five hundred pounds. 

' 'Benj'' Flagg, Ju^, Moderator. 



[Extract from a Warrant dated January 26: 1730-31.] 
To mr. Jaines M''clellan, Constable for Worcester, Greeting : 
these are to order and Direct you forthwith to warn all the free- 
holders i*t other Inhabitants of this town that hath an F^state of 
freehold in Land within this province or territory of forty Shillings 
l^er annum at the Least, or other Estate to the value of fifty Pounds 
Sterling, to meet and assemble at the meeting house in Said town 
on Tuesday the Second Day of February next, at one of the clock 
afternoon, then and there to Elect and Depute one or More per- 
sons being freeholders and Resident in the Same town to Serve 
for and Represent them in a great and gen" Court or assembly ap- 
pointed to be Convened, held & Kept for his majesties Service at 
the Court house in Boston upon Wednesday the tenth Day of Feb- 
ruary next Ensuing the Date hereof. 

at Said meeting Cap'. W". Jenison was Chosen moderator. 

Benj" Flagg, Town Clerk. 



At a General town meeting of y'^ Inhabitents of Worcester Quali- 
fied to vote in y'^ Choice of town officers, on march i5"\ 1730-31. 
Regularly assembled, at Sd meeting C. william Jenison was Cho- 
sen moderator. Benj" Flagg, T. Clerk. 

at Sd meeting Cpt. William Jenison, Benj" Flagg, Jur., Gershom 
Rice, 1). Danil Heywood & Palmer Golding wear Chosen Select- 
men. 

at Sd u^eeting C. Jonas Rice was Chosen T. Clerk. 

at Sd meeting william Gray, jur. was Chosen Constable for y' 
South pricenkt. 

at Sd meeting L. Henry Lee was Chosen Constable of y'' north 
precinct & Refused y*^ Sarvice, 

at Sd meeting Thomas Stearnes was Chosen Constable. 



6S . Ea7dy Records. [i73i- 

Cpt. William Jenison Chosen town Treasurer. 

Cp. Jonas Rice, Palmer Golding & C. William Jenison Chosen 
assessors. 

Danil ward, John Patrick, Tythingmen. 

James Taylor Clerk of the markitt. 

Gershom Rice, Jur., Benj'^ Townsend, John Curtise, obadiah 
ward, Andrew AFfarlin, John Biglo & Sam" Tomson, Sui-veyrs of 
highways. 

John Smith, Thorn. Hagitt, James m'lellan, willi"' m'lellen, hog 
reaves. 

James Thornington, Jonlas Rice, jur., fence viewers. 

voted that this meeting be adjourned untill y^ Second Tuesday 
of april next at one of y*^' Clock afternoon at y'' meeting house. 

William Jenison, moderator. 

Upon y*^ Request of Richard Ward to us y'" Subscribers Select- 
men of Worcester, Desiring that we would Lay him a conveiant 
way from his Land whear he Liveth to y*" Countrey Road, accord- 
ingly we have Laid a way out as followeth : 

vizt : beginning at a black oake Stump marked Standing near 
the Dividing Line between Sd Wards Land and Thomas Hagits 
Land, and from thence running northward to a Small walnut i)lant 
Standing near y*^ Stump mentioned and is marked from thence to 
a white oake tree marked Standing near Hagits plow Land, from 
thence to a white oake tree Standing on Sd Flagits plow Land, from 
thence to y" nearest place to y*^ Countrey Road near y'' house of 
william Gray, y'' way is Layd out two Rods wide and Lyeth on 
y*^ west Side of y'' trees & Stumps as they are markt. 
Dated in Worcester, Nov" 17:1 730. 



William jenison,^ r 7 ^ r 

T TT r oe/ecimeti of 

lonas Rice, > ^^x. , ■' 

i TT 1 T \ yvorccster. 

James Holdm, ) 



March 15 : 1730-31. Voted and accepted y'' above mentioned 
way ordered to be Recorded. William Jenison, Modr. 

At a meeting of y*" Selectmen of Worcester, Novem'' 19: 1730, 
agreed and Layd out in y® north part of Worcester a town Road 
Six Rods wid. Sd Road begins at y* Deviding Line between y* 



/J 



1 . 1 Town of Worcester. 69 



north t^v: South |)arts of Sd town Ivistrly of y'' Land of James Con- 
den by mark trees on y"' Eastrly Side of Sd Road untill it P^xtends 
to y" Lime Land, then by marked trees on y'' north Side of Sd Road 
by y'-' South of Robert (Irays house tiiid by y'' South of y'' house of 
[ohn Biglo, and So over Cedar Swamp 15rook between y'' two foard 
ways antl Still by y'" marked trees on y*^ north Side as formerly Layd 
out In' y'' Propriators C'omittee till it Extends to y'' house of Sam" 
Clerk, then on the South Side of Sd Clerks house. So on y" South 
of y*" house of cv: Barn of John Hiibburd and on y'' South Side of 
Sd Hubbards Saw mill and then by marked trees on }'' north Side 
of Sd Road as y*" Sd Proi>riators Comittee formerly Layd Said Road 
untill it Extends to Ruttland Line. 

William Jenison, ") 
James Holdin, > 
Benj'^ Flagg, ) 

March y*" 15 : 1730-31. Red and axepted and ordered to be 
Recorded. William Jenison, Mdr. 

March 15:1 730. 

The parsons hearafter named being Chosen Town officers for y'' 
year Ensuing ware Sworn in y'' presence of y*" major part of y'' Se- 
lectmen to y" faithfull Discharg of their Respective offices. 
Vizt : Jonas Rice. T. Clerk. 

Jonas Rice, Thomas Haggitt, Thomas Rice, 

James Tailor, James m'lellen, Robert Peables, 

John Patrick, James Tomson, John Biglo, 

John Smith, Jonas Rice, jur. Sam" Tomson. 

William m'lellen. 



At a meeting of y'' Inhabitents of Worcester by adjournment 
from march 15 : 1730 to April y'' 13 : 1731, and then met. 

Voted that Danil ward be Excused from Serving as Constable 
for y'' year luisuing. 

at Sd meeting Thomas Rice was Chosen Tythingman for y'' year 
Ensuing and Sworn to y'' faithfull Discharg of his office. 

at Sd meeting James m^'lellan was axepted to Serve as Constable 
for y'' year iMisuing in y'' Room of Thomas Stearns and Sworn to 
v'' fiiithfull Discharg of his office. William Jenison. modr."^ 



70 Early Records. \MZ^- 

At a meeting of y'' Selectmen of Worcester, march 6 : 1729-30, 
it is agreed by Sd Selectmen that a Town way be Layd out two 
rods wide begining at y'' Countrey Road near y"^ meeting house 
between y'^ Land of Thomas Stearns & Danil ward and to Run pro- 
portionably in Each of their Land as y'' ground will admitt untill 
it Extends to y** Cassway at y'' grate Swam, then to Run as Said 
Road was formerly Layd out and Recorded by y*" houses of James 
moore & moses Rice. 

William Jenison, "| 
Nath" moore, [ Selectmen of 
Jonas Rice, f IVorcester. 

Benj" Flagg, J 

this return excepted and ordred to be Recorded. 

William Jenison, modr. 



At a meeting of y" Inhabitents of Worcester on April 13 : 1731, 
Regularly assembled, Cpt. william Jenison was Chosen modr. 

Jonas Rice, T. Clerk. 

voted at Sd meeting that y"^ Selectmen provid a Schoole master 
to Keep a Schoole for reading &: writing for Childrin & youth un- 
till y'^ first Day of September next ensuing. 

and whearas many Small Children Cannot attend y*' Schoole in 
y*^ Senter of y^ Town by Reason of y^' remotness of their Dwellings 
and to y*^ intent that all Childrin may have y*^ benifite of Educa- 
tion, &c. 

Voted that a Suitable number of Schoole Dames, not Exceeding 
five, be provided by y*^ Selectmen at y'' Charge of y*" Town for y*" 
teaching of Small Childrin to read, and to be placed in y^ Several 
parts of y*^ Town as y*^ Selectmen may think most Conveinent, and 
Such Gentlewomen to be payd by y'^ pole as y'' Selectmen & they 
may agree. 

Voted & granted that one hundred jjound be Levied on the Li- 
habitents of Worcester for the repairing of highways in Sd Town 
and Bridges, and that it be made into a tax forthwith and Copyes a- 
tested by y'^ assessors of Sd Rates be Comitted to y*" Surveyrs of high- 
ways of their Respective Squadron, and they to warn out y^ par- 
^ sons to work accordingly, and y*' parsons so working to take a recipt 



I73I-] Tozvfi of Worcester. 71 

of y° Surveyr & it to be Elovved him out of his Rate, and if any 
parson or parsons Shall refuse or neglect to work out his or their 
Rate ps Directed : Then y" assessors to Comitt Sd List with Sufifi- 
ant warrant to y'' Constable or Constables to Colect y*" Same to be 
Improved for y** Service aforesd. 

Voted also that Each parson working under the Surveyr to be 
Elowed four Shillings 'fj? Day and for a pair of oxen two Shillings 
tt^ Day, Sd Surveyors to attend y'' Direction of y*' Selectmen from 
time to time. 

Voted that y*" Selectmen with y'' town Clerk Settle acompts with 
the Town Treasurer. 

Voted that mr. Benj" Flagg, Decon moore, Decon Heywood & 
Jonas Rice be a Comitte to Setle accompts with y*^ Revd mr. Isaac 
Burr. ■ William Jenison, modr. 

Voted to y" Several parsons hearafter named the respective Sums 
affixed over against their names, vizt : 

to moses Rice for Ratle Snaks, 7 00-01-09 

John Clark for Ratle Snakes, 9 00-02-03 

to Collins moore for Ratle Snaks, 25 00-06-03 

to Jonas Rice for Serving as assessor. 01-10-00 

to C. William Jenison for Serving as assessor, 01-12-00 

to James Holdin for Serving as assessor, 00-18-00 

Benja. Flag for Serving as assesor & other Service, 01-02-00 
to Decon moore & Compeny for building halfway river Rridg, 04-06-00 

to ye Comitte for ye Schoolemaster, 11-00-00 

to James moore for pue hinges, 00-04-00 

to Thomas Stearns for Sweeping ye meeting house, 01-00-00 

to Joseph Crosby for paying Joseph Thurstins Rates, 00-17-00 

totle, 22-19-03 

William Jenison, modr. 



Town Treasurers accompt, June 4 : i 731, for y*" year 1730. 

We the Subscribers, Selectmen of Worcester, being apointed by 
the town to make up accompts with Decon Nathanil moore. 
Treasurer for the year 1 730, we have made up the accompts as 
follows, this fourth Day of June, 1731 : — 



72 Early Records. S^i'j^ii. 

It. out Standing in the hands of Palmer Golding when he 

was Constable in the year 1726, £02 11 06 

It. out Standing in the hands of Lt. Henry Lee when he 

was Town Treasurer, £s>\ 03 08 

It. in the hands of Constable James Holdin, £oz 13 08 

It. in the hands of Constable James mclellen, ;^'oo 1 5 co 

It. Yet outstanding in the hands of Gershom Rice as he 

was Constable, ;^oo 05 07 

It. in the hands of Joseph Crosby, Constable, £oi) 00 02 

It. in a Town Rate of Iaa 00 11) 1729: Constable mat- 
hew Grays part to Gether was /13 01 : yet outstanding 
in his hands, £,ob 07 01 

Constable Danil wards part of £\^ 00 1 1 to gether was 
/21 07 II. Still out Standing in his hands, ^^04 09 08 

It. of a Town Rate of fifty pound for finishing the meeting 
house, Constable mathew Gray's part was 25 05 00 and 
Still out Standing in his hands, £\% 05 00 

It. of Sd ;^50 00 00 Rate for the meeting house. Constable 
Danil wards part to Colect was ^24 15 00, and Still out 
Standing, 
It. of the ministry Rate for the year 1 730, Constable Gold- 
ing's part to Colect of ye 2 Rates was 44 09 08. out 
Standing 07 lo 07 which is Due to the Town, £01 10 07 

It. in Decon moores hands to Still acompt for 02 04 07 

It one pound, one Shilling in the hands of Cp. Jennison, 
Town Treasurer. 

Wi^hii Jennison, ^ 
Gershom Rice, \ Selectmen of 
Danil Heywood ( Worcester. 
Palmer Golding J 

Tonas Rice. T. Clerk. 

• •' 

June 4 : 1731. accompt Settled with the minister, 
att a meeting with the Committee of Worcester, June 4"' : 1 731, 
Chosen to adjust and Settle accompts for Sd town with me, the 
Committee Chosen were namely, Benjamin Flagg, Cpt. Jonas Rice, 
and D. Nath" moore, then Reconed with them from march, A. 
Dom. 1727-8 to march, 1730-31, and all accompts ballenced. 
as witness my hand, 

Isaac Burr. 



1 73 2. J Town of Worcester. 73 

*At a meeting of y'' Inhabitents of Worcester on y'' 14 Day of 
Septembor, i 731, Regulerly assembled, william Jennison, Esqr. was 
Chosen modrator. " Jonas Rice, I'own Clerk. 

Voted at Sd meeting that y'" town will maintain a free Schoole 
for the year Ensuing and that it be a mooveing School into the 
Several quarters of y'' Town. 

Voted that y'" Selectmen take I^fectual care that a Suitable })erson 
be provided to keep a Schoole to Instruct y'' Childrin and youtli in 
Sd Town to Read and wriglit, and to ])lace y*" Schoole agreeable 
to y'' vote of y'' Town. 

Voted : granted to the Revd mr. Isaac Burr, ten pounds money, 
the beter to Enable him to Carry on his ministrial office in Sd town 
of Worcester, and to be assessed on y'' Inhabitents with his next 
half years Rate. William Jennison, modrator. 



Choice of town officers for y'' year 1732. 

At a meeting of y*" Inhal)itents of Worcester, Regulerly assem- 
bled on march 6 : i 731-2, for y'' Choice of Town officers for y*" year 
Ensuing, at Sd meeting C. Jonas Rice was Chosen modr. 

at Sd meeting ('. Jonas Rice, D. Nath" moore, mr. James moore, 
mr. Benj'' Flagg, Jur., mr. John Stearns, Chosen Selectmen. 

C. Jonas Rice, T. Clerk. 

William Callwell, Robert Peables, Constaljles. 

D. Danil Hey wood, T. Treasurer. 

william (rray. Palmer (rolding, Elijah Cook, assessors. 

Tirus Rice, Abaraham wheelor, John Biglo, Samuell Tomson, 
David Young, Isaac ward, Surveyers of highways. 

william Nickals, moses Harper, Tythingmen. 

Danil Hubburd, Joseph mainord. Fence Viewrs. 

James Tailor, Cler of y" markit. 

mathew Cray, Sealor of Lether. 

Samll Tomas, Charls Adams, Thomas Hamblton, william Har- 
rise, James Ferguson, hog Reives. Jonas Rice, modr. 

*One article in the warrant for this meeting called the inhabitants "to vote 
in ye Choice of a Reigester of Deeds and a County Tresiner for ye County 
of Worcester according to ye Direction in the Law." 



74 Early Records. [1732. 

at a meeting of y^ Inhabitents of Worcester on march 6 : 1 731-2, 
Voted that whereas y^ Inhabitents Living in north part of Worces- 
ter have been assessed in Several Town Rates Since y'^ vote of y*^ 
Town to free them there from on Certain Conditions, that y'' money 
Sd Inhabitents in Sd north part have payd to any Town assessment 
Since their being freed as aforesd be Repayd to them out of y'^ In- 
trest money Due to y^ town from y'" Last pubhck Banck. 

Voted that Decon moore, D. Heywood and Jonas Rice be a 
Comitte to Setle accompts with wiUiam Jennison, Esqr., Town 
Tresurer for y** year 1731. 

Voted that y*^ Swine go at Larg for y^' year Ensuing in Sd town, 
being regulated as y" Law Directs. Jonas Rice, modr. 



Received of Cpt. Jennison, Town Tresurer, y*" Sum of Eighty 
pounds money upon accompt of Sallery, and ten pounds granted 
by y*" town for y'^ year 1731. 

I Say Reed 1^ me, 
Worcester, march 2 : 1731. Isaac Burr. 



Treasurers accompts for y" year 1731. 
We y^ Subscribers being appointed a Comitte by y^ Town to 
make up and Setle accompts with william Jennison, Esqr., Town 
Tresurer for the year 1731 : we have Settled Sd accompts as fol- 
loweth this thirteenth Day of march, 1 731-2. 

It. we find Still outstanding in ye hands of Palmer Gelding 
as he was Constable in ye year 1726, 

It. in ye hands of James Holden as he was Constable, 

It. in ye hands of James mclellan, Deceased, 

It. in ye hands of Gershom Rice, jur. as Constable, 

It. of ye Town Rate of 44 pound, Eleven pence granted in 
ye year 1729, Constable mathew Grays part to Colect 
was ^22 13 01. outstanding in his hands of Sd Rate, ;iCo6 07 i 
Constable Danil wards part of Sd Rate to Colect was 
;i{^2i 07 II and Still outstanding in his [hands] of Sd 
Rate, 04 09 08 



^02 


II 


6 


02 


13 


8 


00 


15 





00 


05 


7 



1732.] Tozvn of Worcester. 75 

It. of a Town Rate of tifty pounds granted for finishing ye 
meeting house, Constable math. Grays part to Colect 
was 25 05 00. Still outstanding in his hands i8 05 o 

of ye Same Rate ConstaHe Danil wards part to Colect 
was ;^24 15 00. Still outsfariding'in his hands 08 lO 6 

It. of a" ministers ta.\ for ye year 1730, Constable Goldings 
part to Colect of both Rates was 44 09 08. Still out- 
standing in his hands of Sd Rates which is Due to ye 
Town, 

It. in Decon Natll moore, his hands as Town Treasurer, 
outstanding, 

It. in William Jennison, Esqr. his hands as Town Tresurer, 
outstanding. 



07 10 


7 


01 04 


07 


00 09 


7 



Erors Exepted. Nath" moore '\ 

Dan" Heywood >- Comitte. 
Jonas Rice ) 



47 02 



At a General Town meeting of y*" Inhabitents of Worcester, may 
17 : 1732, at Sd meeting John Chandler, Esqr. was Chosen modrt. 

Jonas Rice, T. Clr. 
Voted and granted to y*" Several parsons hear after named the 
respective Sums affixed over against their names to be payd out of 
y'' town Tresurey, vizt : 

L s. d. 
to John Chandler, Esqr. for ye Charge of a presentment, 01 08 06 

to William Jennison, Esqr. for Service don for ye town in 

making of Rates, Carting of Lime & Carting of Logs. 03 04 00 

to Cpt. Jonas Rice for Serving as assessor in ye year 1731, 02 04 00 
mr. Palmer Golding as assessor & for plank, 02 06 00 

to Henry Lee, Esqr. for his horse two Jurneys to Roxbury, 01 00 00 
to Thomas Stearns for Sweeping ye meeting house, 01 00 00 

to Danil ward for 64 Rattlesnaks tails at 3 penc each, 00 16 00 

to John Clerk for 10 Rattlesnaks tails, 00 02 06 

to James moore for 76 Rattlesnaks, 00 18 00 

to mr. wymon for Keeping SchoU 14 weeks 13 10 00 

more to mr. wyman for travil, 03 00 00 



29 09 00 

John Chandler, md. 



7.6 Early Records. [1732. 

Settlement of the Town Bounds. 

Whearas there hath been differance between the Selectmen of 
Worcester and Ruttland about the west Line of Said Worcester So far 
as it Joyns with Ruttland, but in as much as y** Selectmen of Each 
Town being met to perambulate the Lines between Said Towns on 
the Sixth Day of October, 1724, having the Plat of Said Worcester 
with them Did unanimously agree, having to their Satisfaction found 
the Corner mentioned in Said Plat, to run from Said Corner on 
Point of Compass as on Said Plat, &c. as may appear on Record. 

and the Selectmen of Said Towns being again met to perambu- 
late between Said Towns the Twenty Seventh Lay of april, 1 730, 
Carried out the Line on the Point of Compass agred upon as afore- 
sd to Licester Line or Corner So far as Ruttland does Extend : by 
a mutual agreement as may appear by our hands set hearunto, 
vizt : 

South and by East fourty five minuts East, which Point agreeiiig 
with Some old marks which we Renewed So far as they went : and 
marked new whear there wear none before, and Set the Sui-veyers 

mark on the trees with the marking Iron, thus ^ which Line So 

A 
marked we agree and allow to be the Setled and Established Line 

on the west between Said Worcester and Ruttland and no other, 
and further Consent that this agreement Shall be Signed by Each 

party of the Selectmen and the papers Changed and So put on 

Record on the Town Books of Each Town abovesaid : 

as witness our hands the Twenty Seventh Lay of april, Annoqui 

Domini i 730. 

Sam" Wright ^ 

Joseph Stevens | Selectmen 

Edward Rice \ 

Eleazer Heywood I of Ruttland. 

Eleazer Ball J 

at a meeting of the Selectmen of Ruttland, april 21 : 1730, be- 
ing notified by the Selectmen of Worcester to perambulate and run 
the bounds between the Said towns on the 27 day of this Instent 
april, Do appoint Cpt. Sam" wright, Esqr., Joseph Stevens and 
Eben'' metcalf to meet with Said Selectmen of Worcester or Such 



1732.] Town of Worcester. 77 

parsons as they Shall apoint to parambulate and renew the Said 

Town bounds at time and place appointed. 

Sam" wright '1 

Joseph Stevens | Selectmen 

Edward Rice V 

Elezer Heywood of Riittland. 

Eleazer Ball 

Worcester, march, 30 : 1733. 
we y" Subscribers, Selectmen of Worcester, Do alow and aprove 
of y" within writen Setlement or Perambulation of y'^ Bounds of our 
Town as therein Set forth and Expresed. 

William Jenison 

Nath" moore Selectmen 

Gershom Rice > 

James Holdin of Worcester. 

John Chandler, Jr. ^ 



at a meeting of y* Inhabitents of Worcester, may 17 : 1732, 
Regularly assembled, John Chandler, Esq'', was Chosen modratr. 

Jonas [Rice], T. Cler. 

at Sd meeting Voted that Twenty Seven pounds. Fourteen Shill- 
ings and two pence be forthwith assessed on the Inhabitents of 
Worcester for y"" Discharging y'' Town Debts as alowed. 

Voted that John Chandler, Esq'., Cp'. Jonas Rice & m^ Benj". 
FIlag, Jr. be a Comitte to return y^ thanks of y*^ town to liir. wigles- 
worth Switcher* of Boston for y*^ present he Lately made to y*" town 
and on their Recipt of y*" Same to Dispose of y*^ Same for y*" best 
advantage of the Town. 

Voted that william Jennison, Esq^, mr. Benj" Flagg, jr. lv: Cpt. 
Jonas Rice be a Comitte to accompt with y" trustees for y'" Last 
Bank money Due to y*" Town, and pay what is Due to the Inhabi- 
tents of y'' north part of Worcester out of it agreeable to y*^ vote of 
y" town y*^ 6"* of march Last past, and to make Report to y'' town 
at their next meeting and to be accountable to y*" town for y'' Re- 
mainder. 

Voted that y^ assessors for y° present year, togther with mr. 

*This name was spelled Switsor in the warrant. • 



7 8 Early Records. ' [1732. 

Gershom Rice & mr. Benj'' Flagg, jr. be a Comitte to Receive, 
Examin, adjust and alow y** accompts of the Several Surveyors of 
highways and thereupon Deliver to y*^^ present Surveyors Lists of 
Such persons as have not worked out their Rates that they may Still 
have an opportiunity to work out y*" Same agreable to y*^ former 
vote of y*^ town. 

Voted that y'' Selectmen provide a Suiteable person to Sweep y'' 
meetinghouse & to Dig y"" graves as there may be occasion & to take 
Care of y*^ Gushing, grave Gloth, and to provide water for Bap- 
tisem for y*^ year Ensuing. 

Voted that y^ Encurigment for killing of Ratle Snakes be three 
pence a taile for y*^ year Ensuing, Sd tails to be brought to one or 
more of y*" Selectmen. ^ John Ghandler, mod"'. 



at a meeting of y^ Selectmen of Worcester, may 31 : 1732, or- 
dered that william Nickols be y*^ parson to Sweep the meetinghouse 
and to provide y*^ watter for Baptizem as occasion may be, for y*" 
year Ensuing in Sd town, and bring in his Bill at y" years End to 
y'^ town for his Reward. by order of y*^ Selectmen, 

Jonas Rice, T. Glerk. 



at a meeting of the Selectmen of Worcester, august y*^ 5 : 1732, 
persuent to a vote of y*^ town, agreed with Gpt. Jonas Rice to be 
y'' Schoolemaster for Sd town for y*^ Education of y*" youth in read- 
ing and writeing untill y*^ first of Septembor next Ensuing. 



at a meeting of y*" Selectmen of Worcester on august 28 : 1732, 
then agreed with mr. Richard Rogers to be our present Schoole- 
master and he to Receive of y*^ town at y*" Rate of fifty pounds a 
year for his Sarvice So Long as he Shall Continue to Keep a School 
in Sd town. by order of y"^ Selectmen. 

Jonas Rice "j 
Richard Rogers, master. Nath" moore \ Selectmen of 

John Stearns [ Worcester. 

James moore J 



1 733-] Toivn of Worcester. 79 

at a meeting of the Inhabitents of y'' town of Worcester on Oct- 
ober y'' 24 : 1 732, Regulerly assembled, at Sd meeting John Chand- 
ler, Esqr. was Chosen modratoT. Jonas Rice, T. Clerk. 

Voted at Sd meeting that Twenty five pounds money be forth- 
with assessed according to Law on y'" Inhabitents and Estates of 
y<" town of Worcester for Defreying y'' Charge of y'' Schoole in Sd 
town. 

Voted that y*" Schoole in Sd town l)e a moveing Schoole at y' 
Discretion of y" Selectmen. 

In answer to y'^ Petition of the Rev'' mr. Isaac Burr, Voted that 
y*" Sum of Twenty Pounds be assessed according to Law on the 
Inhabitents and Estates of y'^ Town of Worcester to be pay'' to mr. 
Burr, which Sum the town Cherfully grant and earnestly Desire 
that he Lay y" Same out in purchising an addition to his Library. 

John Chandler, modr. 



Jonas Rice 

Nath" moore | Selectmen 

Benj" Flagg \ 

James moore j of Worcester. 

John Stearns J 

Worcester, Febr. 5 : 1732-3. 
at y'' Disire of y" Inhabitents of that part of y*" Town Called 
Bogachoage, for a highway by which they may Conveinantly Come 
to y" place of publick worship, and also to accomodate y'' Remote 
towns, we have vewed and Layd out a Road of three Rods wide, 
beginning at y'^ house of Dunkin Graham, from thence runing 
Northeasterly on y*" Land of Jonas Rice as formerly Layd out un- 
till it Comes over y*" grate Brook, thence runing on y'' Northerly 
Side of Ephraim Rices Barn through y'' Land of Sd Ei)hraim Rice 
to a white oake tree marked on y'' northerly Side of Sd Road, and 
So by marks through y" Land of Thomas Adames, Tyrus Rice ^.l- 
Danil-ward to y'^ Cart Bridge over mill Brook. 

at a General Town meeting, march 5 : 1732-3, Voted, axepted 
and ordered to be Recorded. John Chandler, modr. 



8o Early Records. [i733- 

At a meeting of y*" Inhabitents of Worcester, march 5 : 1732-3, 
Regulerly assembled for y*" Choice of town officers, at Said meet- 
ing John Chandler, Esq'. Chosen modr. 

Attest: Jonas Rice, T. Clerk. 

at Sd meeting y*" persons hearafter named ware Chosen town 
officers for y" Ensuing year, vizt : — 

John Chandler, Esqr., William Jennison, Esqr., mr. Nath"moore, 
mr. Gershom Rice & mr. James Holdin, Selectmen. 

C. Jonas Rice, T. Clerk. 

John Chandler, Esqr., mr. Palmer Golding & william Gray, as- 
sessors. 

mr. Danil Heywood, T. Tresurer. 

mr. Isaac moore & william m'^lellen. Constables. 

Samuell Gray, Thomas Adames, Robert Blare, Robert Barber, 
Phinehas Heywood, John Biglo & Samuell Tomson, Surveyers of 
highways. 

Robert marble, Obadiah ward, Tythingmen. 

Jotham Rice & Jonas Rice, jur., fence viewers. 

mathew Gray, Sealer of Lether. 

william harise & Abraham wheeler, Danil Biglo «Sr James Coudin, 
hogreives. 

mr. James Tailor, Cler. markitt. 

The Several Persons before Named being Chosen to Serve as 
Town officers for y" year 1 733, of whome an oath is required, wear 
all Sworn in y*^ month of march by a Justice of y*" peace to y*^ faith- 
ful Discharge of their Respective offices, Excepting Isaac moore. 

march 31:1 733. mr. Isaac moore Took y'^ oath of a Constable. 
Attest: John Chandler, Jr., Justs peace. 

Voted at y*^ above Sd meeting that y*" ministers Sallerie for y" 
whole year be assessed by one tax on y*^ Poles and Ratable Estates 
of y'' Inhabitents of y*" South part of Sd town untill further order 
from y'' town. 

Voted that y"^ Selectmen be a Comitte to Call y*^ Surveyers of 
highways to an accompt & make report at y* next town meeting. 

John Chandler, mod. 



1 733-] Town of Worcester. 8i 

Town Bounds. 

July 4"': 1727. 
Then y'' Selectmen of Worcester and Liecester and oxford did 
meet at the Southwest Corner of y*" town of Worcester and y*" South- 
East Corner of y*^ town of Leicester and the NorthEast Corner of 
oxford, in order to Perambulate and Renew y'' Bounds between Sd 
towns of Worcester and Leicester and oxford So far as the towns 
[oyned together, and they did all consent and agree, and did owne 
and mark a Certain hemlock or black pine tree Standing by the 
Fldg of a Swamp on y'' East Side of Sd Swamp, which tree So 
marked to be and Remain to be y'' Southwest Corner of y^ town 
of Worcester and y*' South P^ast Corner of y'^ town of Leicester and 
y'' NorthEast Corner of y*-' town of oxford, in witness whearof, we 
the Selectmen of Each of y*" Sd towns have Set to our hands y*" Day 
and year fierst above written. 

The Selectmen of The Selectmen of The Selectmen of y" 

f town of oxford, f town of Leicester. town of ivorcester. 
Isaac Learned, Sam" Green, Nath" moore, 

Ebenezer Learned. Richard Southgate, Gershom Rice, 
Thomas Newall, Danil Heywood, 

Thom. Richardson. william Jenison. 



at a meeting of y'' Lihabitents of Worcester, Regulerly assembled 
on may 15 : 1733, at Sd meeting Coll. John Chandler was Chosen 
modrator of Sd meeting. Jonas Rice, T. Cler. 

Voted and granted to y*" Several persons hereafter Named y'' 
Respective Sums Set over against their names, viz : 



£• 



To Benja. I'lagg, Jur., about ye meeting house, ye Bale nee 

of his acct, 
To mr. Thom. Stearns for ye meeting house, ye Ballence of 

his acct. 
To Samll Boutwell to Ballence his accut. 
To mr. moses Rice to Ballence his accompt. 
To James holdin to Ballence his accompt, 
To Robert l^arber to Ballence his accompt. 
To willm Jenison, Esqr. to Ballence 
To Henry Lee, Esqr. 



01 


01 


00 


04 


II 


06 


20 


05 


08 


02 


19 


10 


03 


03 


00 


02 


07 


00 


01 


19 


00 


01 


00 


00 



82 Early Records. [i733- 

To ye Comitte ye Sum of 2: 19 for Boards of C. Learned, 02 19 00 

To John Gray, Jr. ye Sum of 01 05 00 

To Danil ward for Ditto, 10 09 03 

To William Nickols, takeing Care of ye meetinghouse, 02 00 00 

To mathew Gray to Ballence 00 18 00 

To Pallmer Golding, his accompt, 00 16 03 

To Pallmer Golding, assessor, 02 04 00 

To will. Gray, assessor, 02 08 00 

To Elijah Cook, assessor, 01 16 00 

To James Holdin, accomp. 00 12 02 

To willm Gray, Jr. accompt, 00 12 09 



63 01 05 
Attest: John Chandler, modr. 

at Sd meeting, Voted that there be a Schoolehouse Built at y" 
Charge of y'' Town and placed in y*^ Center of y* South half of y^ 
Town or as near as may be with Conveiniency, haveing Regard to 
Suitable ground for Such a house to Stand on, and whear Land 
may be purchised in Case it falls in mens perticular property, pro- 
vided y^ purchis may be on Reasonable Terms, &c. 

Voted that Collo. John Chandler be y*" Surveyor to find the 
Center of y'' South half of Worcester & that Henry Lee, Esqr., 
major Jonas Rice l'v: mr. James moore be Chainmen to assist un- 
der oath. 

Voted that y'' house be Twenty four feet long, Sixteen feet wide 
and Seven feet Studd, to be Compleatly finished with a good Chim- 
ney, Glase and that, at y*" Discretion of a Comitte to be apointed, 
and that Danil Heywood, mr. Benj" Flagg, Jr. and mr. Thomas 
Stearns be y*' Comitte to See the Worke Efected, Either by Leting 
out y*^ work by y*^ [great ?] or otherwise as they Shall think most for 
the advantige of y*-' town, and that they provid Suitable Tables and 
Benches for y" Schollers and Lay their accompts before y'' town 
for paymeiit. 

an accompt of y^ Debts of y'' town amounting to y'' Sum of Sixty 
three pounds, one Shilling & five pence being Layd before y*" town, 

Voted thate y" town be assessed Said Sum accordingly, & that 
the Same be payd to y'^ parsons to whome it is Respectively Due, 

Voted that for y" Incourigment of Killing of Ratle Snaks that 



1 733-] Town of Worcester. 83 

three pence '^ head be allowed & payd to Each person for Each 
Ratlesnake, he that Kills, producing y*^ Ratle to y*" town and Joynt 
of y'' tail of Said Snake. 

Voted that y" Sum of Twenty pounds be added to the Revd mr. 
Isaac Burrs Sallerie for y'' present year to Incourige him in y* work 
of y® Gospil ministry among us. 

Voted that for y" future & untill y'^^ town otherwise order that y'' 
assessors make all Such grants of money as Shall be granted by y' 
town in one year in one assessment, Exclusive of y*' ministers Sal- 
ery. 

Voted that william Jenison, Escjr. & mr. James Tailor be added 
to Such of y" former Comitte as Live in the town Chosen may 15 : 
1724, for Seeting the meeting house, and that they forthwith pro- 
ceed to Compleat i!^: finish Seeting thereof — that y*" Rules they 
principly Guide themselves by be as follows, vizt : a persons use- 
fullness or y"" Station he Stands in age and pay, not having Regard 
to a Plurality of Polls Rut to Real and Personal Estate only, and 
the two last Assessments or Invoices, vizt : for y*^ year i 731 c\; i 732 
be y' Rule. 

Voted that y'' articles Contained in y*^ warrant not yet acted on 
be adjorned with y*' meeting which was by a vote adjurned to this 
place on monday y'" 28 Day of may Instent at Eight of y*^ Clock 
before noon. 

The above votes passed by the town assembled at y*" meeting 
house, may 15, 1733. Attest: John Chandler, mod. 

Voted that mr. william Jenson l)e Desired to make an jnit on y^ 
meeting house Door Suital)le Latches i*i; Spring bolts, also Suitable 
hasps & hooks on Such of y" windows of y'' meetinghouse as are 
usuly opened in order to preserve them from Damige. 

Voted that y'' frunt of y*^ Gallerys, y*^ PuUpitt ct Pillers be Cullered 
and varnished & y'" outside of y'^ Doors lI' windows of y*^ meeting 
house, & y'' town thankfully accept of y*' Eight pound offered by 
Coll. Chandler towards Doing y'' Same, and y*^ town being Informed 
that Danil Gookin, Esqr. has been pleased to Say he would give 
Something to Sd work, voted that mr. Nath" moore & mr. James 
Tailor be Desired to know of him what he will give towards Said 
Cullering and Varnishing. 

Voted at Sd meeting. Attest: John Chandler, modr. 



84 



Early Records. 



[1733- 



at a meeting of y'' Inhabitents of Worcester by adjournment from 
may 15 : 1733 to may y- 28 : 1733, and then met — 
.' Voted and granted to william Jenison, Esqr., John Chandler, 
Ksqr., mr. Benj" Flagg, Jur. and mr. Gershom Rice, Jur. Liberty 
to Remove y'^ two hindmost Seets in y*" Body of Seets in meeting 
house in Worcester and Build Each of them a pue on y" floore of 
Equal Bigness, they to Sit in them with their familys ordnerly. 

Voted that y" affaire of granting money for mending and Re- 
pairing highways be Reffered to y" next town meeting and that y* 
Selectmen in y'^ meen time give orders to y'' present Surveyors 
that So Such persons as are behind in their work forthwith work it 
out in Such place as they think proper. 

John Chandler, mod. 



We the Subscribers being apointed a Comitte to Seet y*" meeting 
house in Worcester, persuent to Instructions we have proceeded 
thereon : and have appointed to Each person a Seet for himself and 
wife as followeth : — 



Vizt. in y^ foj'c Seet in y'^ body. 
Gershom Rice, 
John Gray, 
Benj" Flagg, 
John Stearns, 
Caleb Jonson, 
John Adames. 



/// )^ Second Seet in y'^ 
Thomas Hagitt, 
william Gray, 
John Smith, 
James Hamblton, 
Andrew m'^farlind, 
John Clerk, 
Robert Peables, 
Jacob Holmes. 



Bod\. 



i?i y*" fore Seet in )'^ fru?it 
Galiry. 

James Holdin, 
moses Rice, 
James moore, 
Thomas Steams, 
Danil ward, 
Jotham Rice, 
Solomon Jonson, 
Joseph Crosby, 
Thomas Glezen. 

fourth Seet in y^ Body. 
David Elise, 
Abraham wheeler, 
moses Harper, 
James Thomington, 



/ JJ 



■] 



Town of Worcester. 



85 



fifth Seet in y^ Body. 
James Furbush, 
Robert Lortrige, 
John Alicksander, 
william m^han, 
John Stinson, 
Dunkin Graham, 
John m'^farlind. 
Joseph Clerk. 



Sixth Seet in y^ Body. 
John Smith, jr. 
John Patrick, 
James Glassford, 
wilHam brown, ^' 
wiUiam Nickols, ''^ 
John StarUng, 
Hugh Calso. 

Second Seet in y'' friint Galiry. 
Samuell Gray, 
Zebediah Rice, 
Joseph Rug. 
Eliakem Rice, 
mathias Rice, 
Thomas Hamblton. 
mathew Clark, 
william Temple, 
Isaac ward. 



John Batty, 
omphry Tailor, 
Oliver wallise, 
!■■> Robert Blare. 

in y"" fore Seet in y'^ Long Galir 
Richard ward, 
william m'lellen, 
Charls Adames, 
Isaac moore, 
James m''lellen, 
I Ephriam Rice, 
Tirus Rice, 
Thomas Rice, 
Phinehas Heywood, 
Jonas Rice, jur. 
Ebenezer Flagg, 
Thomas Adames, 
Danil Biglo, 
Thomas Parker, 
Elijah Cook, 
John Curtice, 
obediah ward, 
Benj'' Gates, 
Robert Barber. 

Third Seet in y^ Body. 
mathew Gray, 
Alick m^Konky, 
william Callwell, 
John Dunkin, 
william Gray, jur. 
mathew Gray, jur. 
Andrew m'farlind, jur. 
John Gray, jur. 



86 Early Records, [i733- 

Second Seet in / Long Galiry. Worcester may 30 : 1 733. 
Patrick Peables, 

Edward Knight, Nath" moore ^ 

Jezeniah Rice, Gershom Rice 

.„. Tj ■ Henry Lee 

William Harise, -^ ^ \ r^ -.^ 

Danil Heywood \ Lomittc. 

John m^-Konky, j^^es How 

Robert marble, Pahner Golding 

John Peables. Jonas Rice 



at a meeting of y*" Inhabitents of Worcester, y*^ 8 Day of October 
1733, Regulerly asembled, at Sd meeting Cpt. Benj'' Flagg was 
Chosen modrator. Jonas Rice, T. Cler. 

at Said meeting the Question being put whether the town would 
grant y*" Sum of Six pounds, twelve Shillings to Defray y" Charg 
proportioned upon y*^ town of Worcester by y'' Court of General 
Sessions of y*^ peace, for Laying out a County or Countrey Road 
from Worcester to mendon, it past in y'' negitive. 

Voted at Said meeting that y'' Selectmen be Desired to order y^ 
Surveyrs of highways to repair y*^ Bridg over y*' Brook near y*" house 
of Jacob Holmes out of y*^ arears of y*" tax alredy granted for re- 
pairing of highways. 

Voted that a Bridg be Built forthwith over mill Br6ok, near y^ 
house of Ephraim Rice, & y* Causway repaired in y'' way Layd out 
by y'' Selectmen and approved of by y® town also. 

Voted that mr. Gershom Rice, jur., major Jonas Rice and Eben- 
ezer Flag be a Comitte to Efect y'^^ work above mentioned, and 
bring in their accompt to the town for payment. 

Attest: Benj" Flagg, jr. modr. 



at a meeting of y* Inhabitents of Worcester, Regulerly assembled 
on y'' 21 Day of Novemr, 1733, at Sd meeting voted that y'^ Sum 
of fifty pounds be forthwith assessed on y*" Poles & Rateable Es- 
tates in y" South part of Worcester for y*^ Suport of the Schoole. 

Voted that y*" Sum of Six pound, twelve Shillings be assessed on 
y^ Poles & Rateable Estates in y" South part of Worcester, to Dis- 



I734-] 



Tozv7i of Worcester. 



87 



charge y^ towns proportion of Charge of Laying out y** Countrey 
Road from Worcester to mendon pursuant to order of Court. 

voted and granted to y'^ Several persons hearafter named y" Sums 
Set against their names for Service fion at y*" Bridg near y" house 
of Ephraim Rice in Worcester, in full Discharge thereof, vizt : 



Jonas Rice, 
Gershom Rice, 
Etienezer Flag, 
Nathll moore, 
william Elder, 
Robert King, 
william Brown, 
william mclellen, 
Ephraim Rice, 
Abisha Rice, 
Jonas Rice, jr. 



£. s. d. 
02 02 00 
01 08 00 
01 16 00 
00 II 00 
00 10 00 
00 04 00 
00 04 00 
00 12 00 
00 10 00 
00 10 00 
00 04 00 



Samll Deck, 
John mclintick, 
1 )unkin ( Graham, 
Abraham Rice, 
Danil Biglo, 
James Hamblton, 
Thomas Hamilton, 
mathias Rice, 
James Furbush, 
Danil Diinkin, 
Jezeniah Rice, 



£. s. d. 
00 06 00 

00 06 00 

01 00 00 
01 00 00 

00 14 CX) 

01 06 00 
00 14 00 
00 04 00 
00 08 00 
00 08 00 
00 08 00 



Attest: 



15 05 00 
William Jenison, modr. 



Worcester, march 4 : i 733-4 

at a meeting of y"" Inhal)itents of Worcester, Regulerly assembled 
for y*^ Choice of town officers, at Sd meeting Collenol John Chand- 
ler was Chosen modr. Jonas Rice, T. Cler. 

at y" abovesd meeting y'' persons hearafter named ware Respect- 
ively Chosen town officers for y*^ year Ensuing, vizt : 

Jolm Chandler, Esqr., Jonas Rice, Esqr., mr. Nathanil moore. 
Cpt. I3anil Heywood, Cpt. Benj'' Flagg, Selectmen. 

major Jonas Rice, Town Clerk. 

CoUen. Chandler, Henry Lee, Escjr., Cpt. Benj^ Flagg, assessors. 

Cpt. Danil Heywood. Town Tresurer. 

Jotham Rice being Chosen Constable, Refused to Serve and 
payd his fine as y^ Law Directs. 

William Cray, Joseph Rug, Constables. 

Phinehas Heywood, mr. moses Rice, Robert Blare, Tyrus Rice. 
Joshua Childs, Robert marble, John Billo, Samuell Tomson, Sur- 
veyors of Highways. 



88 Early Records. [i734' 

Joseph Crosby, Solomon Johnson, Tythingmen. 

Jotham Rice, Jonas Rice, ju. Fence viewers. 

mathew Gray, Sealer of Lether. 

Isaac withrby, Isaac ward, william mahan, John Smith, jur. hog- 
reives. 

James Tailor, Clerk of y'^ markit. 

Tirus Rice, Chads Adames, Robert marble, Patrick Peables, 
Field Drivers. 

The persons Chosen town officers for y'' year i 734 of whom an 
oath is Required wear Sworn to the faithfull Discharge of their 
Respective oifices as y*^ Law Directs. 

Voted at y'' abov^sd meeting that William Jenison, Esqr., Capt. 
Benj" Flag and mr. James Tailor be a Comitte to Call y'' Several 
Surveyers of highways to an accompt how they have Improved y*^ 
[ ? ] alredy granted for Repairing highways, and make Report 
at y*^ next town meeting. 

Voted that L. moses Rice, Henry Lee, Esqr., mr. Joshua Childs, 
mr. James Tailor & mr. Thomas Glezen be a Comitte to adjust 
accompts with Cpt. Danil Heywood, T. Tresurer for y^ year 1733. 

Voted that y** Selectmen do as soon as may. State out a bury- 
ing place and mesure y" out Lines thereof that The town may Know 
properly how to act Respecting y* fencing in y^ Same, and that 
the[y] make Report to y'' next town meeting what they may ap- 
prehend the Cost thereof may be. 

Worcester Febry 14 : 1733-4. 

Whearas by y^ Request of Several of y*^ Inhabitents of this town 
Complaining to y"^ Subscribers, Selectmen of Worcester, for want 
of a town way Leading from the way Layd out to Ruttland, by y" 
house of John Biglo to Come y'' nearist way into y*" town, upon 
which Retjuest, we having viewed the way Disired, have Layd out 
a town way as foUoweth, whear we apprehend it is best for y*" pub- 
lick & Least Damige to y'^ privet, and is as followeth : 

begining at a white oake tree on y" west of y'' house of John 
Biglo and on y* South Side of y*" way Leading from Ruttland, and 
on y^ west Side y* town way now Layd out by us y* Subscribers, 
and from thence we have Layd out a town way as y^ path now 
made use of untill it Comes to the house of Robert marble, an 



1 734-] ToiV7t of Worcester. 89 

to go on y*' west Side of his house, and So untill it Comes to y'' 
Land of william Harise and Joseph Tem[p]le and then the way to 
goe one half in y* Land of y* Said Harise and the other half in y'' 
Land of Sd Joseph Temple unti.U it jOomes to y*" Land in y'^ Pos- 
session of william Temple, and from thence on y'' west vSide of y*^^ 
house of y'' neaw Dwelling house of y'' Sd william Temple and So 
as y"^ path is now trod, and So to go on west Eand of y'' Frame 
Set up by John Peables and So on y'' west Side of y*^ house of 
Robert Peables, and So along prity near whare y" way is now made 
use of, untill it Comes near y^ house whear John alicksander now 
Dwells and then to go on y'' South Side of y'' house and y*^ East 
Side of y*" Barn, and So as y'^ way is now made use of untill it Comes 
into y*" Countrey Road, the way throughout to be three Rods wide 
there being marked trees on y^ westerly Side of y*" way. 

wee y'' Selectmen have Set to our hands y*^ Day and year above 
written and present the Same to y'' town for Confirmation. 

William Jenison ') 
Gershom Rice \ Selectmen of 
Nathanil moore | Worcester. 
James Holdin J 

The above mentioned way being presented to y'' town on march 
4 : 1733-4, was accepted So far as it goes in y*" South half part of 
y" town of Worcester and ordered to be Recorded. J. C. md. 

att a Town meeting held at Wotcester, march 4"' : 1733-4 — 
Voted that no person whatsoever, within y*^ Bounds of this town 
Shall Receive or Entertain any horse Kind or neat Cattle from any 
person or persons Living out of [the town ?] Excepting from Such 
as Propriators, to run on y'^' Comons or unimproved Lands within 
the Same, or for y" Space of three years next Coming, under y' 
Penelty of paying for Such horse Kind or neat Creature he Shall 
So Receive &c., y"" Sum of five Shillings to be Received by y*" town 
Town Tresurer, Three Shillings part thereof to be for an towards 
y'' Suport of y'^ poore of y*" Town and to be Disposed of by the 
Selectmen or overseers of y*^^ poore for that purpose, and y'" Re- 
maining Two Shillings to y'' Liformer being proof thereof to y' 
Town Tresurer Sufficient to Convict y'' parson or persons offending 
against this vote. 



90 Early Records. '[1734. 

and if any person or persons, being Suspected of Receiving or 
Entertaining horse Kind or Cattle as aforesd, and Shall Refuse 
to Clear himself upon oath before one of his majesties Justices of 
y® peace for Sd County that he has not Directly or Indirectly by 
himself or by any other person or persons for him, y*' Care, Charge, 
Inspection or Keeping of any neat Cattle or horse Kind to feed on 
y^ Common or unimproved Land as aforesd. Saving Such as are bona 
fidie his own proper Estate, and that he has not bought y*^ Same 
any time under any pretence whatsoever to Save him or her Self 
from paying y*^ five Shillings "^ head as aforesd, Shall for every hed 
of horse Kind or neat Cattle for which he is Suspected of Receiv- 
ing as aforesd, pay five Shillings to be Receved & Improved as 
aforesd, and it is further voted that y'^ application be made to y*" 
next Court of General Sessions of y'' [Peace], to be holden at Wor- 
cester in and for y" County of Worcester, by the Selectmen for Sd 
Courts approbation of this vote or by Law. 

John Chandler, modrator. 



at a meeting of y* Inhabitents of Worcester, Regularly assembled 
on april 23 : 1734, for y^ Discharge of town Debts, together with 
Several other articles, at Sd meeting — 

Voted and granted to y*^ Several Persons hearafter named, y*^ Re- 
spective Sums Set over against their names : 

To major Jonas Rice for money advanced for ye town, ;ifoo 14 00 

to mr. Palmer Golding, assessor for ye year 1733, cx) 16 00 

to mr. william Gray, assessor for ye year 1733, 00 16 00 

to mr. william Nickls for Sweeping ye meeting house, 02 00 00 

to william Caldwell on accompt of Fennings Rates, 00 08 05 

to Humphrey Tailor for 13 Snaks, 00 03 03 

John Clark for 3 Snakes, 00 00 09 

Samll Gray for 8 Snaks, 00 02 00 

James Tailor for 6 Snaks, 00 01 06 

mr. James moore, 72 Snaks, 00 18 00 

to Gershom Rice & other Comitte for ye meeting house, 03 06 00 

to Tirus Rice, 01 07 09 

to John mckonky, 01 08 02 

to william Jenison, Esqr. 00 10 00 

to william Gray for going to Brooklield, 01 02 06 

to Danil ward, 02 08 05 

16 02 09 



1734'] * Town of Worcester. 91 

Voted that Sixpence be alowed for each Radesnak that any jjer- 
son Shall Kill within this town the Ensuing year, provided the 
Ratle be produced & brought tci y" Selectmen. 

Voted that fifty pounds be assessed, on y*" Poles & Rateable Es- 
tats in Sd town for y'' Suport of y*" Schoole in Sd town. 

Granted to the Reverand mr. Isaac Burr fourty Pounds in Bills 
of Creditt as a gratuity to inable him y'' better to perform the work 
of )''■ ministry in Worcester, and y'' assessors are Directed and Im- 
powered to Levey y'" Same on y'' Inhabitents of y" town accordingly. 

Voted that Lieut, moses Rice, mr. James Tailor & John Chand- 
ler, »Esqr. be a Comitte to Call y*^ Town Tresurer to an accompt 
and to Setde acco"s with him antl make Report to y*" town as Soon 
as may be. 

Voted that y'' above Comitte Setle acco"s with y*" Rev'* mr. Isaac 
Burr Refering to his Sallirey heartofore. 

Voted that one pound, Seven Shillings and nine pence be added 
to y*" town Debt & payd to Tirus Rice to Reimburs him what he is 
taxed for y" town and ministers Rates for his brother Barzilla, his 
Rates, he being out of y*" town in y'' time of taxing. 

Voted that y'' Sum of one pound, eight Shillings & two pence be 
added to y" town Debt A: payd to John m^'Konky to Reimburse 
him his town and ministers Rates, he being in y*-' north half of y'' 
town. 

Voted that three pounds be Levied on y*" Inhabitents of y"" town 
for Repairing y*" glase windows in y'^' meeting house. 

Whearas it has been found by M\perience that it is very hurtfull 
for Rams to run at Larg on the highways & Comons in the Sumer 
Season, &:ct : by Reason that the Ews Lamb in the winter Season 
and are therby much Exposed and often Dye for Remedy whearof. 

Voted that if any Ram or Rams Shall be found goeing at Larg as 
aforesd from y'' first Day of august to y'' Tenth Day of november 
following annually untill y'' Town Sliall fiirther order, y*" Said Ram 
or Rams So Running at Larg Shall be forfited, and it Shall be 
LawfuU for any Person or Persons Inhabiting this Town to take 
Said Ram or Rams to his and their own use and behoofe for Ever 
and y" Selectmen are Desired to prefer this vote to the next Court 
of General Sessions of y'' peace to be held for y'' County of Wor- 
cester, for their confirmation of the Same. 



92 Early Records. [i734- 

Voted that the Sum of one hundred Pounds be Levied on the 
Poles and Estates of y'' Inhabitents of y*^ South half of Worcester, 
in proportion to y'^ Province Tax of y*" Last Year or as near as may 
be by y'' Selectmen, for making, mending &: Repairing Bridges, 
highways & Town ways in Sd South half, & that they give Lists 
thereof To the Sui-veyors of highways with Directions for working 
out y'" Same, and that the whole be Compleated by y'" Last Day of 
October next. That it Shall be at y*" Liberty of all persons to work 
out their part of Said Tax provided they attend upon Due warning 
given by y** Surveyors to them to work, and that y*^ following prices 
be alovved, vizt : from y" first Day of april to y° first Day of Jftne, 
for a man Eight Shillings, for a Yoak of oxen four Shillings, for a 
Cart two Shillings ; and from the first Day of September to y*' first 
Day of november for a man Six Shillings & for a Yoak of oxen 
three Shillings, for a Cart one Shilling & Sixpence xr* Day, they 
finding them selves & working faithfully. 

and Such persons as Dont work upon Due warning as aforesd 
to pay their Taxes in money to be applyed in hireing men & Teems 
at y'' Cheapest Lay to effect y*" work Designed as aforesaid, and all 
persons who Shall make it appear to y" Selectmen that y*" year past 
they have worked at mending Said ways «& more than their former 
Tax, to be alowed for y^ Same out of their parts of this Tax. 

Attest: John Chandler, modratr. 



[Extract form a Warrant dated May 13, 1734.] 

You are also to give notice to y'' Inhabitents Living on y^ North- 
rly Side* of y*^ Countrey Road Qualified by Law to vote in Town 
affairs, that they assemble Together on Sd Twenty Seventh Day 
[of Mayjt at half an houre past two of Sd Day as aforesd, to ac- 
cept y* Report or Return of y*^ Comitee appointed to accompt 
with y*^ Revd mr. Burr & with y*^ Town Tresurer if they See Cause, 
and also to grant y*^ hind Seets in y^ Galleryes to Such persons as 

*The inhabitants of the South part of the town received a similar notice. 
fNo record of this meeting appears. 



1 734-] Town of Worcester. 93 

have or may Petition tor y'' Same for Liberty to build & Erect them 
into handsome Long pews to Sit in : in Such way & manner as y' 
Town Shall think proper. 



April 19: 1734. 
The accompt of Danil Heywood, Tresurer of y'' Town of Wor- 
cester from march i 731-2 to this Day. 

The Sd accomptent Chargeth himself with what he £. s. d. 

has Reed of what was out Standing with former 
Constables, as ye acctt made up and Setled with 
William Jenison, Esqr. march 13th, 1 731-2, a- 
mounting to ye Sum of 52 02 02 

Also with a Schoole Rate Comitted to wilm Cald- 
well, the Sum of 15 19 09 

To Robert Peables ye Sum of 11 17 11 



33 


2 


28 


8 


22 


II 


18 


II 



27 17 08 
Also with a Tax, part for ye ministers Salary for 

ye year 1732, Comitted to Constable Calwell, 

Constable Peables, 28 8 i 61 10 

Also with a Tax for Compleating ye Salary for ye 

year 1732, of Constable Calwell, 

Constable Peables, 18 11 8 41 

Also with a Town Rate for ye year 1 732, of Con- 
stable Calwell, 16 9 5; of Constable Peables, 13 7 9 30 17 2 
The Said accomptent Chargeth himself with a 

Town Rate for ye Charges of ye year 1733 and 

Lists Comitted as follows : 

Constable Isaac moore, 
Constable willm mclellan, 
also with a Tax for ye ministers Salary for ye year 

1733, and Lists Comitted to Constable moore. 

Constable mclellan, 



62 


2 


2 






75 


2 


9 


137 


4 II 


45 


12 


9 






54 


7 


3 


100 






450 15 4 



The Said accomptent Dischargeth himself with ye 
following Sums, payments, vizt : payd wyman 
Schoolemastqf, 

payd mr. williams, Schoolemaster, 

payd ye Comitte for ye meetinghouse, 

Cash payd mr. Burr, his Salary & gratuity for ye year 1732 



16 


10 





4 


10 




24 


00 





100 








145 









25 












2 


4 









2 


6 









I 


8 


6 






oo 












50 












3 





10 






6 


12 





335 " 


4 


13 


7 


9 









8 


5 






46 


6 









66 


10 9 
Cred. 


126 12 


II 




462 4 


3 




Debt. 


450 15 


4 



94 Early Records. [i734- 

payd mr. Rogers, Schoolemaster, half years wages 

Due march 1732-3 
payd major Rice as pr Receipt, 
payd Palmer Golding, 
payd John Chandler, Esqr. 

payd mr. Burr Ris Salary & Gratuity for ye year 1733, 1 00 
pd Richard Rogers a years Salary end in march Last, 
pd Samll Boutwell in part of his, 
pd vvillm Jenison, Esqr. 

To what is outstanding with Several Constables 

namly, Robert Peables, Town Rate, 
part willm Calwell, 
part Isaac moore Rate, 
part of willm mclellans Rate, 



advanced by ye Tresurer, 1 1 8 1 1 

Worcester, april 29 : i 734. 

"^ Danil Heywood, Town Tresurer. 

The Comitte To whome was Refered y*^ Town Tresurers accts 
which are hearwith Exhibited, Report that they fiend them Right 
Cast & well vouched by proper orders & Receipts, are therefore of 
opinion that Cpt. Danil Heywood, Town Tresurer, be Discharged 
from y*^ Sum of three hundred & Thirty five pound. Eleven Shill- 
ings & four pence, being y*" Sundry payments he has made, the 
balance in his favour being Eleven pounds, Eight Shillings & Eleven 
pence, that y'' Sum of one hundred Twenty Six pounds. Twelve 
Shillings & Eleven pence being outstanding in y** hands of Several 
Constables be Still accompted for when Received. 

all which is humbly Submitted, 

moses Rice ^ 
axepted. James Tailor > Comitte. 

John Chandler ) „ 



at a meeting of y" freeholders and other Inhabitents of and be- 
longing to y*" Town of Worcester, Duly Qualified to Vote in y*" Choice 



1 735-] Toivn of Worcester. 95 

of town ofilicers, Regularly assembled on march 10 : 1735, at Sd 
meeting mr. Gershom Rice was Chosen modrt. 

■'Attest: Jonas Rice, T. Clerk. 

at y" abovesd meeting, y" following. Persons wear Chosen town 
officers for y*" year Ensuing, Vizt : 

John Chandler, Esqr., William Jenison, Esqr., Jonas Rice, Esqr. 
mr. Nathanil moore, mr. James Tailor^Cpt. Danil Heywood, Cpt. 
Benjamin Flagg, Selectmen. 

maj. Jonas Rice, Town Clerk. 

Danil Biglo, Andrew m'kfarlind, Constables. 

obediah ward being Chosen Constable, payd his fine. 

Cpt. Danil Heywood, T. Treasurer. 

John Chandler, Esqr., Jonas Rice, Cpt. Benj" Flagg, Cpt. moses 
Rice, mr. Palmer Golding, assessors. 

John Chandler, Henry Lee, F^sqr., John Biglo, James Tailor, 
Simon Davice, Gershom Rice, Jr., Zebediah Rice, mr. James moore 
Robert marble, maj. Jonas Rice, Surveyers of highways. 

Jonathan Gates, John Cirtice, Tythingmen. 

Cpt. moses Rice, Sealor of Lether. 

mr. Palmer Golding, Surveyor of hemp and Flax. 

Edward Knight, Isaac millor, jr. Fence Viewers. 

James Tailor, Joseph Crosby, Clerks of the markit. 

moses Lenard, Isrieal Jenison, Joseph Wooly, hogreives. 

Eliakem Rice, Richard Flagg, Field Drivers. 

Voted that this meeting be adjourned till the Last monday of 
march, Instent, at three a Clock afternoon, at y*" meeting house, 
then and there to act on any affaire proper for y*^ march meeting. 

Gershom Rice, modr. 

The persons Chosen Town officers for y*^ year 1735, of whome 
an oth is required ware Sworn to y*" faithfull Discharg of their Re- 
spective offices as y*" Law Directs, 
march 10 : 1735. 

Except Andrew m'^farlind and Israel Jenison. 

Worcester. Ss. march 14 : 1734-5. 
then mr. Andrew m'^farlind took y** oath of Constable as withiii 
Directed. Attest: William Jenson, J. peace. 



96 Early Records. [i735- 

Worcester, march 15 : 1734-5. 
at the Desire of Sundry of y*^ Inhabitents of the Town the Se- 
lectmen mett in order to Lay out a town Road from whear the 
Country Road meets with Shrewsbury Line to y*" Road Leading 
from y*" meeting house by pine medow Bridg to Leiut. Goldings. 
accordingly from whear y*^ Countrey Road meets with Shrewsbury 
Line we Laid Said Road (Jut at & near y'' way as it is now trod, 
till it Comes to y*^ house of mr. James Tailor, Trees being marked 
on y"" westrly Side Sd Road, and So Continuing Sd Road on y*" 
westrly Side Sd Tailors house, and y'' house of mr. Joshua Childs 
and y^ house of wiliiam Callwell & So on to the Road Running 
from y*^ meeting house afore Sd, marked trees being made on y^ 
westrly Side Sd Road, all y® marks ware antiently made by a 
Comitee of y'' Propriators of Sd Worcester, november 25: 1719, 
[ j one heep of Stons northward of wiliiam Callwells house 

which we now made four perch of his Stone wall, the aforesd 
marks are to Remain Excepting where it may Interfear with Build- 
ings alredy Set up on y*^ Eastrly Side Sd way or Road, an there 
it may Extend westward So as to Steer Clear of Sd Buildings, y* 
afore Said Town Road to be four perch wide, agreeable to y" Re- 
port of y* Comitte of y" Propriators aforesd. The mark trees when 
it Comes against y* Land of Thomas Binney & abraham wheelor, 
are y" South Eastrly bounds of their Land as orignaly Laid out. 
as witness our [hands], 

Will'" Jenison " 
Nath" nioore Selectmen 

John Chandler > of 
Danil Heyvvood Worcester. 
Benj" Flagg 



at a meeting of y" Selectmen, march 26: 1735, mr. Richard 
Rogers, our present Schoolemaster, having this Day fuUfiled his 
Last year, it is agreed that y*" Sd mr. Richard Rogers forthwith Re- 
pair to y*-' house of mr. Palmer Golding and there Keep y^ Schoole 
till further order. 

By order of y*^ Selectmen, 

Jonas Rice, T. Cler. 



1735'] Town of Worcester. 97 

at a Town meeting of y'" Inhabitents of y" Town of Worcester, 
Regularly assembled may 19 : 1735, at Sd meeting y'' following ar- 
ticles wear voted, vizt : 

Voted that y'^ Rev'' mr. Burrs Sa],lgry for y"" future & untill y*" 
Town Shall otherwise order, be one hundred and Twenty pounds 
in Bills of Creditt |-^ annum, and that y'' Same be assessed and 
apportioned on y'" Polls tS: Estats of y"" Inhabitents of y'" South half 
of Worcester according to Law, and j^ayd annualy. 

Voted that y*^ Sum of Seventy four pound, one Shilling and one 
peny be assessed on y'' Polls and Estates of y*^ Inhabitents of y'' 
South half part of Worcester, and that fifty pounds part thereof be ap- 
plied by y'' Selectmen for & towards y'' ])rocuring a Suitable Schoole 
master y*" year Current, and y*" Remainder being Twenty three 
pounds, Sixteen Shillings & one peny be paid to y*" Sundry Persons 
hear after named in Discharge of their accounts, vzt : To John 
Chandler, Jr., Esqr. the Sum of Eleven pounds, Seven Shillings & 
Eight pence, being y'' County Tax for y*^ year 1733 which he paid 
and offered y*" town in Lieu of painting y^ meeting house which the 
town Declined takeing & Expect that be Don according to former 
promise. 

The following Sums are voted : 

£. s. d. 

To mr. Danil ward for Sweeping the meeting house ye year 

past, 02 00 00 

To mending ye pound & Stocks, majr. Rice & othrs, oo 08 06 

To Solomon Johnson, 21 Snaks tails, 00 10 06 

Andrew mcfarland, 5 tails, 00 02 06 

James mcKonky, 27 tails, 00 13 06 

Pahner Golding, 2 tails, 00 01 00 

Samuell Gray, 3 tails, 00 01 06 

James Tailor, 3 tails, 00 01 06 

To ye assessors ye Last year, 3 Days Each, 01 16 00 

To ye assessors for ye Valluation, 3 Days Each, 03 00 00 

To William Gray for Sundry Services as Constable, 00 11 00 

To wiir Dunlap for Sundrys for ye meeting house, 01 17 00 
To Danil Heywood, Town Tresurer, to Inable him to make 
up accouts with willim Gray, Constable for ye year 1733, 

for James odares Rates, 01 10 05 

II 13 05 



98 Early Records. [i735- 

Voted that william Jenison, Esqr. be a Trustee in y^ Roome of 
mr. John Hubbard, for y* Last ;^6o 000 Loan, he having Left y*" 
town. Sworn. 

Voted that y" Selectmen Set up a Suitable Sign Post near y*" meet- 
inghouse, and that for y^ future all townmeetings untill otherwise 
order Shall be warned as follows : 

Vizt., by a Constable posting up notifications on Said Signpost, 
under y" hands of y*^ Selectmen or major part of them, Seting forth 
y*^ heads or articles to be Transacted at Sd meeting. 

Voted that Sixpence apeace be payd by y^ Town to Such per- 
sons as Shall y*" Current year Kill Ratle Snakes and bring the Tails 
thereof to y'' Selectmen, which Tails they are to burn & Consume. 

Voted that John Chandler, Jr., Esqr., mr. James Tailor, Cpt. 
moses Rice, mr. Joshua Eton, Leiut. more & Lieut. Tho. Stearns 
be a Comitte to account with y*^ Rev"* mr. Burr for his Sallrey the 
Last year & take his Discharge, that they also account with Capt. 
Danil Heywood, Town Tresurer, and make Report of their doings 
to y'' next Town meeting. 

Voted that y^ Town Reconsider their vote formerly passed for 
building a School house in y^ Centre of y** South half of Worcester, 
and y^ persons formerly appointed to find Said Centre, do with 
what Conveianent Speed they can find whare a Centre Line will 
Strike y*^ Countrey Road, and that a Schoole house of y'^ Demen- 
sions formerly voted to be built at or as near that place as may be, 
and that Cpt. Heywood, Cpt. Flagg, Leiut. Stearns, william Jen- 
ison & mr. John Smith be a Comittee at y'^ Charge of y'' town to 
Build and finish Said house. 

Voted in answer to y'' Sixth article* \\\ y*^ warning that william 
Jenison, John Chandler, Henry Lee, Danil Gookin, Jonas Rice, 
Esqr., Cpt. Heywood, Gershom Rice, Jr., Leiut. Stearns, Cpt. Rice. 
Cpt. Flagg & mr. Joshua Eaton be a Comitte to take Sd article 

*The sixth article in the warrant was as follows : . 

"To .See if ye town will Come into Some proper vote or method for ye Dis- 
posing, Leasing or beter Improving the publick Land in ye South half part 
of ye town Called ministry and Schoole Land that ye town may the beter 
Reep ye proffit & advantige Designed by ye original Grant thereof for ye 
Ends & purposes for which they were Granted." 



1736.] Tow 71 of Worcester. 99 

under Consideration, tliat they Draw or propose Some proper 
Scheem for Said town to Come into in order for y"" Towns Keeping 
)''' proffitt ^' advantige of the ministry Land and School Land agree- 
able to the first Grant thereof, and La,y y'' Same before y*' Town at 
their next meeting for their further Consideration. 

Voted that y*" Sume of one hundred pounds be Leveyd on Polls 
and Estats of y*^ Lihabitents of y*" South half part of y" town of 
Worcester in proportion to y" Province tax of y'' Last year or as near 
as mav be by y" Selectmen, for makeing, mending & Repairing high- 
ways &c. in the South half of Sd town, Sd tax to be Improved or 
aplyed in manner & form agreeable to y*^ tax of y* Last year for 
Repairing highways. Attest: John Chandler, modr. 



*at a meeting of y" Inhabitents of Worcester on march i, 1 735-6, 
Regulerly assembled for y*" Choice of Town officers for y'' year En- 
suing, at Sd meeting Gershom Rice Chosen modrator. 

Attest: Jonas Rice, Town Cler. 

at Sd meeting y*" following Persons wear Chosen Town officers 
for y'' year Ensuing, Vizt : 

(jershom Rice, James moore, James Holdin, Gershom Rice, Jr. 
& John Stearns, Selectmen. ■ 

Jonas Rice, Town Cler. 

Jilbenezer Flagg, Constable. 

John Cirtice, Constable. 

Gershom Rice, Jr., Town Tresurer. 

Palmer Golding, Elijah Cook, Solomon Jonson, assessors. 

Jonas Rice, Surveyor of hemp & flax. 

John Chandler, Esqr., Henry Lee, John Biglo, James Tailor. 
Simon Davice, Gershom Rice, Jr., Zebediah Rice, James moore. 
william Tempi, maj. Jonas Rice, Surveyors of highways. 

Thomas Glezen, Charles Davenport, Tythingmen. 

C. moses Rice, Sealor of Lether, 

Zebediah Rice, Richard Saidmare, Benj'' Gates, hogrieves. 

*The last article in the warrant for this meeting was "To See if ye Town 
will Raise a proper Sum uf money to T'urchise a Bell with for ye meeting 
house." 



lOO Early Records. [1736. 

Eliakem Rice, John mconkey. Field Drivers. 

James Tailor, C. of y*' markett. 

Edward Knight, Isaac miller, fence Viewers. 

at a meeting of y'' Inhabitents of Worcester on march i : 1 735-6, 
Regularly assembled. 

Voted that y*^ Selectmen take Care and provide a LawfuU Schoole 
master for y'^ Instruction of Youth in y*" town of Worcester y'' year 
Ensuing. 

Voted that if any Ram or Rams Shall be found going at Larg 
from y'' first Day of august to y'^ Tenth Day of november in this 
present year 1736, the owner or owners of Such Ram or Rams 
Shall forfitt & pay y'' Sum of Ten Shillings to be Recovred by y^ 
Town Tresurer for y'^ use of y*^ poore of Sd Town, and it Shall & 
may be LawfuU for any person or persons Inhabiting this Town to 
take up any Such Ram or Rams and put them into y" publick 
Pound, giving notice to y® owner if Known, and if onknown then 
to Set a notification on Some publick place in Sd town and if no 
owner appears within Six days and redeem Sd Ram or Rams, then 
to be proceeded with as Strays and Sold to Satisfie y^ penelty and 
Charges, and y*" Selectmen are Disired to prefer this vote to the 
next Court of General Sessions of y^ peace for y*^ County of Wor- 
cester for their Confirmation of y*^ Same. Gershom Rice, modr. 

Whearas by the Law of this province Incourigment is given for 
y" Killing of wovles, yet notwithstanding y*" wovles Still Continue 
very troublesome and mischevs, Especily among young Catle & 
Sheep, wherby people are much Discouriged from Keeping Sheep 
which are So necessary for Clothing — Therefore for further Incour- 
igment for Killing of wovles, 

Voted that whosoever Shall Kill any grown wolf within y^ Bounds 
of Worcester from y*" Tenth Day of march Current to y* Tenth Day 
of march in y" year 1736-7, Shall be Intitled to a reward of Four 
pounds, and for a wovls whelp other than Such as Shall be taken 
out of y'^ Belly of any Bitch wolf, y'' Sum of Twenty Shillings, to be 
payd by y^ Town of Worcester, the heads to be proceeded with 
agreeable to an act of the General Court,* page 259 of y' province 
Law Book. Gershom Rice, mod. 



*The portion of the act referred to was as follows : 

"The Constable in the Presence of one or more of the Selectmen, Shall 



1736.] Tow7i of Worcester. 101 

at a meeting of the Selectmen of Worcester, Feb. 21 : 1735-6. 
at y*" Request or Disire of Sundry of y" Inhabitents of Sd Town. 
Layd out a Town way two rods ^nd a half wide, beginning at the 
house of L. James Holdin and So oa y*^ Eastrly Side of his fence 
as it now Stands to the River, then turning and runing l)y the 
River up to y*^ pond, then turning and runing over y*" pond by y' 
Dam provided Said Chase will Enter into Sufficiant ol)ligation to 
build and maintain a good Bridg over Said River, that is to Say, 
what Said Bridg Shall Cost then to Build in any other place in y' 
River, that is So Long as y^ Town Continues y*" road at that place 
Said Chase to maintain as abovesaid. 

William Jenison ~] 
Nath" moore | Selectmen 
accepted by y*^ Town & Jonas Rice \ of 

ordred to be Recorded. Benj" Flagg, Jr. | Worcester. 

Gershom Rice, mod. James Tailor J 

at a meeting of y'' Selectmen, april 29 : i 735, at y'' Disire of Sun- 
dry Inhabitents, agreed and Layd out a by way three rods wide 
from Shrewsbury Line to y^ Countrey Road by y^ house of Joseph 
Crosby by mark trees on y'' north and westrly Side Said Road. 

Jonas Rice ~1 

\- Selectmen. 



Nath" moore [ 



accepted. James Tailor 

Benj''' Flag J 

Gershom Rice, motlr. 



at a meeting of y*" Inhabitents of Worcester on april 12 : 1736. 
John Chandler was Chosen modr. 

Attest: Jonas Rice, T. Cler. 

at Said meeting, Voted that Cpt. Danil Heywood Discount 
^1-7-7 with william Gray, Late Constable for y*" year 1734, be- 
ing moses Smiths Rates. 

cut both the Ears off the Same, and Such Selectman or Men and Constable, 
Shall give the party a Receipt for the Said Head expressing whether it be a 
grown wolf or a whelp; and upon producing Said Receipt the Party Shall lie 
paid and allowed b)' the Selectmen or Treasurer of Such Town, out of the 
Town Stock, for the Same, as in and by the Said Act is directed." 



I02 Early Records, [1736. 

Voted and alowed to y* Several persons hearafter named y'' Sums 
Set against their names for Sarvice Don : 

to Danil Biglo, Constable, for warning Several people 

out of Town, ;!{^i o o 

mr. Biglo appeared in ye meeting & with Drew his 
motion above & forgave ye Town ye ^i o o. 

granted to major Jonas Rice, being assessor ye year 1735, 012 o 

granted to Benja. Flagg, being assessor in ye year 1735, 012 o 

granted to Cpt. moses Rice, being assesor ye year 1735, 012 o 

Palmer Golding, assesor for ye year 1735, 012 o 
for Rattlesnaks — 

Andrew mcfarlind 7 036 

willm Calldwell 7 036 

Robert Blare 5 026 

Robert Gray 4 020 

Samll Thomas 6 03 

Isaac moore 7 036 

obediah ward 42 I i o 



4 07 

Voted that y^ Sum of Sixty pounds be assessed on Poles & Es- 
tats of y*" Inhabitents for y* Suport of y" Schoole in Sd Town. 

Voted that any person that Shall bring any Rattlesnaks tails to 
one or more of y'' Selectmen within Six Days from this time Shall 
be alowed for y'' Same. 

Voted that Coll. Chandler, Jonathan Gates, Jacob Holms, 
Jotham Rice & Solomon Jonson be a Comitte to auiditt and Setle 
y'' accompts with y*" Revd mr. Burr for his Sallery y*" year past, and 
also with Cpt. Danil Heywood, Late Town Tresurer, and to re- 
ceive of him Such Sum of money as may be in his hands on Such 
Setlement, & auiditt, & there upon to give him a proper Discharge 
& to Deliver Sd Sum into y"' hands of y*" present Town Tresurer at 
which time y'^' Selectmen are Disired to be present & to give prop- 
er orders to y" Town Tresurer to receive what may be Due from 
former Constables it to pay y'^^ Same to whome it is Due, and Sd 
Comitte are Disired to make report as Soon as may be to y'' Town, 

Voted that y® fift article* in y^ warrant be refered to y" Day of 

*The fifth article was "To Receive ye vote of money for Repairing high 
ways & Bridges in Sd Town." 



1736.] ToKui of Worcester 



lO' 



y*^ Choice of a Representative, & that Coll. Chandler, major Rice 
•S: Ebenezer Flag be a Comitte to prepare a proper vote for y*' Kf- 
ectual Enforcing and Compelling persons to work out or pay their 
Respective Tax & y*^ article is accordingly adjourned to Sd time. 

John Chandler, modr. 



at a meeting of y'^ Freeholders and other Inhabitents of Wor- 
cester Qualified to vote in y*" Choice of Representative on april 22 : 
1 736, at Said meeting Collonel John Chandler was Chosen by a 
very grate majority. Attest: Jonas Rice, T. Cler. 



at a Town meeting held at Worcester by an adjournment, april 
22 : 1736, by adjournment from y*^ first of march, 1736, — 

Voted that y'' Sum of one hundred pound be Leveyd and as- 
sessed upon the Polles and Estats within y*" South half y*' Town 
by the Rule that y" Last Province Tax was made to be aplyed to 
and for y'' makeing, mending & Repairing y" Bridges, Casewayes, 
highways, &c. in Sd South half, in Lieu of that Sum granted in y'' 
year 1 735 not assessed. 

and the assessors are hearby derected forthwith to make Sd as- 
sessment and Deliver Lists Thereof To y" Constables Respectively 
with warrants for Collecting y*" Same, between y*' Tenth Day of 
november and y** first Day of January next, to be payd into y*" Town 
Tresury, and y*" assessors are hearby Farther directed to Deliver to 
y'' Selectmen Copyes of Said assessment, who are to draw out Sep- 
rate and Distinct Lists for F^ach Sur\eyor of highways within Sd 
South half the Town, with Directions and orders whear he Shall 
See t^ach mans part or proportion of Sd Tax or assessment work- 
ed out, and Sd Surveyors are to follow Such Directions and to give 
Seasonable notice to y*" persons Concerned in their Respective 
Lists to work at making, mending or Repairing all Such Roads, 
Bridges, &ct. within the Limits whearto they are Respectively ap- 
pointed, and Sd Surveyors are hearby ordered & directed To give 
to those persons that Shall Duly & faithfidly work out his Tax, a 
Certificate thereof which Shall be Sufficient for y'' Constable to 
Cross out or Discharge Such persons Rate Tax, anything hearin 
Contained to y** Contrary notwithstanding. 



I04 Early Records, V^Thl- 

And the following wages Shall be alowed to Such as work, vizt : 
to each person who Shall in y" Judgment of y^ Surveyer work faith- 
fully from this time to y'' Last of June next, Eight Shillings, for a 
Yoak of oxen fower Shillings, for a Cart two Shillings, for a horse 
three Shillings P day ; and from y*^ first Day of Septr. to y'" lenth 
Day of novembor, To each person who Shall work as aforesd Six 
Shillings, for a Yoak of oxen three Shillings, for a Cart one Shilling 
& Sixpence, for a horse Two Shillings & three pence |^ Day. 

and all persons who dont upon Due warning given work out his 
or their Rate or Tax and produce a Cirtificate therof to y'^ Con- 
stable in whose list he is Contained, by y*" Tenth Day of november 
next, Shall be Liable and Subject to pay y" Tax assessed on him, 
which money So assessed and payd into y*" Tresurey Shall be De- 
livered by y*^ Town Tresurer to y'" Surveyor in whose List Such 
Defective person Stands or to the Succeding Surveyor, to [be] ap- 
plyed for and towards making, mending and Repairing all Such 
Bridges, Roads, Casewayes as are within the Limits to which Such 
Defective person was to work. 

And to y*^ Intent that Justice be Don to those who have worked 
more than their former Taxes for y*^ years 1733, 1734, and those 
that did work in y" year 1735, they bringing a Cirtificate thereof 
from the Selectmen to y* Surveyors Respectively in whose list Such 
person Stands, Shall be alowed by Such Surveyor for y*^ Same out 
of his Tax, So much as y'' Selectmen Shall think fitt and Reason- 
able. 

Voted that Cpt. Benj" Flagg, major Jonas Rice, mr. Andrew 
m^farlind, Leutt. James Holdin and mr. Joshua Childs be a Com- 
itte to make inquiry who have before y*" year 1 733 Expended any 
Sum or Sums in Labour in work on any Large Cart Bridgs more 
than their Just parts, and Report y*^ Same with the Respective Sums 
to Each mans name at the next town meeting for further Consid- 
ation. 

The foregoing votes passed at Sd meeting. 

Attest: John Chandler, Jr., modr. 



At a meeting of y' Inhabitents of Worcester, march 14 : 1 736-7, 



1 737-] Toivn of Worcester. 105 

Regulerly assembled for y" Choice of Town officers for the year 
Ensuing, &ct. John Chandler, Jnr., Esqr. Chosen modrator. 

At Said meeting The following- persons wear Chosen Town offi- 
cers for y" year Ensuing. 

John Chandler, Jur., Esqr., ^V'illiam Jenison, Esqr., mr. Joshua 
Child, Cpt. Benj"men Flagg, mr. Palmer Golding, Selectmen. 

•major Jonas Rice, Town Cler. 

•Jonas Rice, Jur., •Robert Peables, Constables. 

Robert Peables Servs in Room of Robert Crray. 

•mr. Palmer Golding, T. Tresurer. 

• John Chandler, Jr., Estjr., • William Jenison, Esqr., • mr. Solo- 
mon Jonson, Assessors. 

major Jonas Rice, Surveyor of hemp, flax. 

Messurs. -James Holdin. -Chads Davenport, •Solomon Johnson. 
•T. Stearns, • Danil Biglo, •John Curtice, william Harise, "Elijah 
Cook, -Jonathan Gates & "Timothy Brown, •Syprian Stevens, Sur- 
veyors of highways. 

•mr. John Smith, mr. John Smith, Jur., Tythingmen. 

• mr. Jotham Rice, Sealer of Lether. 

•Samuell Dunkin, -william Hariss, "Thomas Adams, Hogreives. 

-Eikem Rice & -John m'^konky. Field Drivers. 

mr. James Tailor, Cler. of y*^ markit. 

- Eliakem Rice, Edward Knight, Isaac miller. Fence Viewers. 

Town officers for y'^ year 1737 being Sworn are prickt. 

Voted that y'' Selectmen Take Care and provide a Suitable Schoole 
master for the Instruction of youth in y*" Town y*" year Ensuing. 

Voted that y*" Sume of Sixpence a peace be alowed as an In- 
courigment to Such person or persons as Shall Kill a Ratle Snake 
within the Town y* year Ensuing & bring y'' Tail to one of the Se- 
lectmen, the Tail to be Consumed to ashes. 

Voted that y' Sum of Twenty pound during y'' Towns pleasur be 
added to y'' Revd mr. Isaac Burs Sallery So as to niake y'' Same in 
y'' whole one hundred & fourty pounds "jp annum, and y" assessors 
be & hearby are Directed from year to year, to assess y*" Same on 
y" Polls & Estats of the Town according to Law. 

Voted that y'' Sum of Twenty Seven Shillings be alowed & ])ay(1 
to Andrew m^farlind for John Townsends Rates, he being gon out 
of v'' Govrment. 



io6 Early Records. V^IZI- 

Voted that inasmuch as y*" County Road Latly Layd out from 
Worcester to Sutton fully answers all persons Traviling that way, 
that therefore the Town way Leading partly through y^ Land of 
Eliakem Rice and partly through Land of James Holdin Leading 
to Black Stones River be Discontinued. 

Whearas much damige hath been Uon by black birds, blew Jays 
and wood peckers by Taring up Indian Corn it Devouring y'^ Same 
in y*^ fields, &c., therefore 

Voted that Every person belonging to this Town that Shall from 
the first Day of april to the Last Day of may next Kill any black 
birds, and for one year next Coming who Shall Kill any wood 
Peckers or blew Jays & bring the heads thereof to y" Town Tres- 
urer, Town Clerk or either of y'' Selectmen Shall be Intitled to a 
Premiam or Reward of three pence for Each head, producing a 
Certificate thereof, & that y'^ Same be Consumed to ashes. 

Voted that william Jenison, Esqr. & mr. Gershom Rice be a 
Comitte to Repair to y" grate falls at y*" Head of Providence River 
or whear black Stones River falls into y'^ Saltwater, to See if it be 
practicable for the falls to be made passable for fish to Come up 
Sd River, provided y'' Towns Lying on Sd River or near adjoyning 
Joyn in Sending Comittes also, and make Reporte as Soon as may 
be. note, y*" Sd Comitte offered to goe upon free Cost. 

*In answer to y'' Request of ten persons Desiring to be Dis- 
mist and Released from the Suport of y'' Rev*^ mr. Isaac Burr, Pas- 
tor of the Church in the Town, or from any other Except mr. 
Johnston, &c.. The Town Came into the following vote, vizt : 

*The above was the answer to a petition from the Scotch Presbyterians 
resident in the town, praying to be relieved from the tax for the support of 
the Rev. Mr. Burr, they having settled a "minister of their own denomination, 
the Rev. William Johnston. It is termed in the margin "an answer to ye 
Irish Petition." The following is the article in the warrant concerning this 
matter : — 

"To See if ye Town will grant a Request of John Clerk & others praying 
to be Dismist from paying towards ye Suport of ye Rev. mr. Isaac Burr, Pas- 
tor, or ye ministry Carrid on after ye Congrational way by ye Sd mr. Burr, 
minister of ye Church, according to the Establishment of this province, in 
this town, &c., as pr ye Request appears." 

The answer, as printed in Lincoln's History of Worcester, differs in lan- 
guage from the above. 



1 737-] Tow7i of Worcester. 107 

The Town upon meture Consideration think that the Request is 
unreasonable and that they ought not to Comply with it uy)on 
meny Considerations : 

i first, that it Doth not appear in yS Petition who they are that 
Desire to be Set off, only from y* names of the Subscribers, that 
it would be for the Town to act two much at Randum to Set them 
off upon Such a General Request. 

ii Secondly, it doth not ajji^ear that y'" Petitioners or others 
jovning with them have been act[uat]ed by Just Reason or any 
Such principles of Conscience as Should at all neccesatate their 
forsaking y'^ assembling themselves with us. For as to y'^ west- 
minster Confession of Faith which they Say they Promised adhear- 
ence to in their baptism, it is y'' Same which we hold & maintain 
and desire to adhear to. and as to the worship discipline & Cov- 
erment of y"" Church as it is Set forth by the assembly of Devins 
at Westminster, they are not Substantially differing from our own 
professed principles, as themselves well know, they may enjoy the 
Same worship, ordinences and Christian prevelidges & meens of 
their Speritual Edfication with us in y*" way which they Call Presby- 
terian and their Consiences not be Imposed upon in any thing. 

Forasmuch also, as a number of those now withdrawing from us 
ware Joyntly Concerned in y*" Setlement of y'' Rev*^ mr. Isaac Burr, 
our present minister, and joyned with us in Church fellowshii) cs: 
Communion, and we know not why it Should be Contrary to their 
Consciences to Continue in Communion and worship with us, — but 
have Rather Reason to think that their Sepration is from Some 
irreguler views and moti\'es which would l)e unworthy for us to 
Countenance. 

iii we look upon y" petitioners and others l)raking off from us 
as they have Done, full of irregulerity & Disorder, not to mention 
that the ordination of their minister they Speak of was Disorderly 
with respect even to the principles which they themselves pre- 
tend to act by, as well as with respect to us to whome they Stand 
Related, and with whome they Cohabitt and Enjoye with us in Com- 
mon all proper Social, Christian & Civel Rights & privelidges. l)ut 
their Seperating from us being Contrary to the publick Establish- 
ment and Laws of this province, and Contrary to their own Cov- 



io8- Early Records. V^7i7- 

enant with us, and also very unreasonably weakening to y" Town 
whose number and Dementions, y'' north part being Excepted by 
y'' vote of y" Town from paying to mr. Burr, will not admitt of y*" 
Honrble Suport of two ministers of y'^' Gospel, and tending to breed 
and Cherish Devisions A; parties greatly Distructive to our Civel 
and Religious Intrests, y*" peace. Tranquility and hapyness of the 
Town. 

upon all which and other accounts y^' Town Refuse to Comply 
with the Request of Dismisting Said Petitioners. 

The above passed in y*" aftermitive by a grate majority, & there- 
fore ordered that the Petition or Request aforesaid be Desmesed. 

Voted, [that] Cpt. Danil Heywood, mr. Palmer Golding & John 
Chandler, Esqr. be a Comitte to Setle & adjust accompts with the 
former Town Tresurer tt Transmitt y*" Same & money in his hand 
into y'' hands of y*^^ Present Town Treasurer. 

Voted that if any Ram or Rams Shall be found Going at Large 
in this Town from y*^^ first day of august to y"-" Tenth Day of no- 
vember in this present year, y" owner or owners of Such Ram or 
Rams Shall forfitt and pay y* Sum of Ten Shillings to be Recovred 
by the Town Tresurer for y*^ use of y*" poore of y'^ Town, and 
y* Selectmen are Directed to preffer this vote to y'^ next Court of 
General Sessions of y" peace for y*^ County of Worcester for their 
approbation of y^ Same. 

Voted that this meeting be adjourned to y'^ first monday of may 
next, at y'' meeting house at Two a clock afternoon, and y* third 
article in y*^ warning Relating to y*' Returns of highways, &61. be 
refered to that time for further Consideration. 

all y*" fore going votes wear passed at Said meeting. 

Attest: John Chandler, Jr. modra. 



The Comitte apointed to Settle acco" with the Revd mr. Bun- 
Respecting his Sallary for y** year 1735, and to auditt & Setle ac- 
counts with Cpt. Danil Heywood, late Town Tresurer, persuant to 
y* Vote of the Town of y'^ 12 Instent, having attended that Service 
and Carefully Examined the Town Book for y'' grants of money 
from time to time — 



1 73 7-] Town of Worcester. 109 

Find an over plus in ye ministers Tax & the Tax for 

payment of Town Debts to ye year 1732 of 6 19 3 

we also lind 3 lO Remaining in the Tresurers hand 
of the 5 paid him by Jotham Rice for not Ser- 
ving as Constable. 20s. 3 10 o being paid to Dr. 
vvheet, & los paid to one Troy, pr order, also 5 
in his hands. Due from ob. Ward, 500 

we also find he has Rec'd of ye Town Tax granted in 
the year 1735, of Danil Biglo 10 14 8. of and. 
nicfarlind 4 5, 14 19 8 



;^30 8 II 



we also find that he has paid of ye orders Rec'd novr 

10: 1735 as follows: 
To Richard Rogers^ School master, in part 
To Danil ward, 40 s. major Rice, 20 s., 6, 
To andrew mcfarlind, 2s., 6. Samuel Gray, is., 6, 
To william Dunlap, 37 s., 6. william Gray, 1 1 s. 
To himself for James odares Rates, 
To himself pr Discot wm. Gray abt mos. Smith Rats, 

21 I 6 

So that there is in his hands 9 7 5 



12 


II 





3 





6 





4 





2 


8 





I 


10 


5 


I 


7 


7 



•30 8 II 
The Town Rate Granted in 1735 was 74 i i 
Danil Biglos part was 39 7 5 

pd as above 10 14 7 due 28 12 9 

andr. mcfarlind, part was 34 '3 8 

paid as above 4 5 due 30 8 8 

In all 59 I 5 to ye Town. 
We find there is Still Due of ye Tax of 1735 to ye following persons, vizt : 
To mr. Richard Rogers, School master, 37 9 O 

To Solomon Johnson 10 s, 6. James Conkey i 4 o 

To Palmer Golding i s. James Tailor i s, 6 026 

To ye asessors for ye year 1734, vizt. — John Chandler, Esqr., 

Lee & Cpt. Flagg, each 12 s. i 16 o 

To ye assessors for valuation, vizt. — Chandler, Flag, 

Cpt. Rice & Golding, each 12 s. 
To Jhon Chandler, Jr., Esqr. 

So that there is Due or in ye hands of ye Constables 
To be paid to ye Tresur. more than is to pay out 

59 I 5 



2 


8 





4 


7 


8 


54 


7 


2 


4 


14 


3 



no Early Records. [i737- 

This /4 14^ 2,d with y" /p ^s 5 Due from Cpt. Heywood maks a 
ballence of /14 i 8 in favour of y^ Town after all y'^ Debts are paid. 

We have Reconed with y" Revd mr. Burr & have Got his Dis- 
charge for y*^ year 1734 t'v: 1735. 

all y'^ Rates & Taxes for the other years we find exactly agree 
with y^ grants of y*-" Town, and y*^ Town Tresurer having paid mr. 
Bur & given Discharge to y*^ Constables for those Rates, we Dont 
Report any further thereon, we have finally given Cpt. Heywood 
a Discharg and taken a Rect of y" present Tresurer for y" /g : 7:5 
for y*^ Towns use. all of which is humbly Submitted. 

John Chandler ") 
I? Jonathan (iates j 

Jacob Holms \- Comitiee. 

Jotham Rice | 

Solomon Johnson J 
M'. Treasurer Hey woods accompts. 



Received of De. Danil Hey^vood, Town Tresurer, on y'' accompt 
of my Sallery, y^ Sum of Eighty pound money with y^ addition of 
fourty pound money for y® year 1734, for which I give my thanks. 

Worcester, may i : 1735. Isaac Burr. 

120 : o : o. 

Worcester, april 5 : 1736. 
Received of D. Danil Heywood, T. Treser. one hundred &: 
Twenty pound in Bills of Creditt in full for my Sallery for y^ year 
1735. ^ Isaac Burr. 

120 : o : o. 



at a meeting of y'' freeholders and other Inhabitents of Worces- 
ter, Duly Qualified to vote in y'' Choice of a Represntitive, Reg- 
ulerly assembled on may 2 : 1737, at Said meeting Collonel Chand- 
ler was Chosen for y'' year Ensuing by all y*^ votes except one. 

Attest: Jonas Rice, T. Cler. 



att a meeting of y*^ Inhabitents of y'' Town of Worcester held at 



1 73 7-] Toion of Worcester. iii 

y" meetinghouse, may 2'', 1737, by adjournment from y'' 14 Day of 
march Last. 

The Return of a Town Road Layd out by y'' former Selectmen 
Leading from Leicester Line through y)' Land of Isaac moore and 
others as |P y*" Return appears, was approved and Ratified by y'' 
Town and (ordered to be Recorded. 

Voted that Simon Davice be a Surveyr of highways in y*" north 
half of Worcester y'^ year F^nsuing, and then meeting Desolved by 
a vote of Town. Attest: John Chandler, Jr., modr. 



att a meeting of the Inhabitents of the Town of Worcester held 
at y'' meeting house upon Due warning given, may 2'^ : 1737, The 
following account being Laid before the Town was Read and voted 
that y'' Same be alowed and payd to y*^ persons to whome the Same 
is due. Namely : 

to William Cahvell for 23 Ratle Snak tails, • o 1 1 6 

To Charles Adams for Seven Snakes tails, 036 

To James Iloldin for ilve, 026 

To Abner Lee for three, o i 6 

To John mckonky for eleven, 056 

To Isaac witherby for five, 026 

To Danll ward for taking Care of ye meeting house 

the year 1735, 200 

To CjJt. Rice for taking Care of ye meeting house 

ye year 1736, 200 

To Palmer Goulding & Elijah Cook, assessors for 

the year 1736, Each 24 s, 
To Solomon Johnson, assessor ye year 1736, 
To James Boyd for one Pole over Rated ye year 1736, 
To Ebenezer Flag for Andrew Grahams Rates, 
To Ebenezer for will Browns Rates in part over Rat, 
To Danil Biglo for James wallises Rates, 
To Palmer Golding for mr. mcKnitts [?] Rales, 
To ye Selectmen for ye year 1736, mending ye Pound, 
To ye present Selectmen to answer ye Towns presentment, 

To John Curtice for Richard Scidmors [?] Rates, , 

John Hunters & William Whitakers Rates they I 

being gon out of ye Town before he Receid ye f 3184 

Lists to be Returned if he Rcceivs it 

To Ivhvard knight for his Rates for ye year 1736, 

he being Rated at woburn 211 S 



2 


8 








16 





I 


5 


3 


I 


5 


3 


I 





9 


I 


8 


6 





7 


6 





10 





I 


10 






1 1 2 Early Records. V^l'il' 

To ye County Tiesurer for ye Towns part of the Road 

Laid out to Sutton, 490 

To Andrew mckfarlind, voted in march last 170 



amounting in the whole to ye Sum of 26 14 3 

Voted that y*" Sum of Sixty pounds be Raised for the Suport of 
a Schoole from y" time mr. Rogers Last year Expired. 

Voted that the Sum of Twenty five pounds in hands of WilHani 
Jenison, Esq''., being formerly assessed for buying a Town Stock, 
also a Surplus of former Taxes & money payd by persons not Ser- 
ving as Constables amounting to Thirteen pound, four Shillings & 
ten pence be Deducted out of y* afforesaid Sums, and that y* Re- 
maining Sum, being Forty nine pounds, nine Shillings and one 
penny be Leveyed and assessed on y*' poles & Estates of y*^ Town 
y^ year Ensuing according to Law, which with y'' aforesaid Sum to 
be paid into y'' hands of y'' Town Tresurer or his Successors, be by 
him paid according to Such orders as he Shall Receive from y*^ 
Selectmen for payment of y* Debts abovesd. 

Voted that m\ Gershom Rice, Jr., Late Town Tresurer, paying 
into y"^ hands of m''. Golding, y'' present Town Tresurer, y^ Sum of 
Eleven Shillings & Seven pence, y" ballence of his accompt, that 
he be Discharged. 

Voted that Cpt. Heywood, Ensign ward, m'' Samuell Brown be 
a Comitte to agree with a Suitable person or persons at y'' Charge 
of y*^ Town, to Fence y*^ burying place in Such manner as they may 
Judge Proper, and Lay an account before y*^ Town fore their allow- 
ance, the burying place to Contain about one acre and on[e] half if 
it may be. 

The aforesaid votes passed at the aforesaid meeting. 

Attest: John Chandler, modrator. 



at a meeting of y*^ Lihabitents of Worcester Regulerly assembled 
on October y*" Tenth, 1737. 

at Said meeting Cp. Benj" Flagg was Chosen modr. 

Attest: Jonas Rice, T. Cler. 

Voted at Sd meeting that y"" Town will Build a good Cart Bridg 
over y*^ [Blackstone River] in y*^ County Road Leading to Sutton. 



1 737-] Town of Worcester. 113 

Voted that a Comitte of three men be Chosen to Let out y' 
building of y*^ above mentioned Bridg or accomphsh it themselves 
if they See Cause, at y'' Charge of y"" Town. 

Voted that major Jonas Rice, Decon Nathanil moo re & mr. 
Ebenezer Flagg be y'' Comitte to take Care that y'' above Sd Bridg 
be Compleated. 

Voted that Twenty pounds be assessed on y'^ Inhabitents of y'' 
South part of Worcester, to be Improved towards Beiulding y*" Bridg 
over y"" River in y" Road Leading to Sutton, and that it be added 
to & made with y" next Town Rate. 

Upon hearing y^ Report of the Comitte appointed to view y'' 
falls on Blackstons River — 

Voted that Thirty pounds money be Levy'^ on the Lihabitents 
of Worcester and Sd money Comited to y'^' Care of a Comitte for 
that purpos, to Dispose of y*^ Same for the making y'' above Sd falls 
passable if they See Cause, Said money to be added to y*" next 
Town Tax. 

Voted that Cpt. Flag, mr. James Tailor be y*^ Comitte to Dis- 
pose of y^ money above granted according to their Discretion, and 
account to y* Town. Benj" Flagg, Jr., modr. 



at a meeting of y" Inhabitents of Worcester, Regulerly assembled 
on November 27 : 1737, to Receive y"^ Return of y'^ Comitte apoint- 
ed for y*^ Building a bridg over Blackstons River in y'" Road 
Leading from Worcester to Sutton. 

at Said meeting William Jenison, Esiir. was Chosen modr. 

Jonas Rice, T. Cler. 

at the above Said meeting the accompt of y*" Comitte being Layd 
before y* Town, was accepted and 

Voted that nine pound, Sixteen Shillings and Sixtpence be as- 
sessed on y^ Inhabitents of y* South part of Worcester, with y' 
Twenty pound alredy granted towards Building y* Sd Bridg, and 
that it be payd out to the Labourours to whome it is Due as follows, 
in full Discharg thereof : — 



114 



Early Records. 



[1738. 



Vizt: 


£ 












To Jonas Rice, 


02 


15 


06 


Benja. Gates, 


00 


15 00 


Nathanil moore, 


03 


13 


09 


Abraham wheelor. 


02 


01 00 


Ebenezer Flagg, 


05 


04 


00 


Nathanil moore, Jur. 


00 


18 06 


Charls Adames, 


02 


05 


00 


James Holdin, Jur. 


00 


12 06 


Jonas Rice,Jur. 


02 


06 


03 


Jacob Holms, 


00 


05 00 


David Cambell, 


00 


07 


06 


Danil Holdin, 


01 


00 00 


Tirus Rice, 


00 


12 


06 


Danil Dunkin, 


00 


05 00 


Jezeniah Rice, 


02 


05 


00 


Josiah Holdin, 


00 


02 06 


Absalom Rice, 


01 


10 


00 


Thomas Adams, 


01 


00 00 


Berzilli Rice, 


01 


07 


6 


Elisha Rice, 


00 


10 00 



Attest: 



29 16 06 
William Jenison, modrator. 



at a meeting of y*^ Inhabitents of Worcester on march 6 : 1737-8, 
Regulerly assembled, y'' following Persons wear Chosen Town offi- 
cers for year Ensuing, John Chandler being Chosen modrator of 
Said meeting, Vizt : Jonas Rice, T. Cler. 

John Chandler, Escf., Willi. Jenison, Est/., C. Danil Heywood, 
majr. Jonas Rice, C. Benj'' Flag, Selectmen. 

maj''. Jonas Rice, T. Cler. 

Solomon Johnson, James Furbush, Constabls. 

Palmer Golding, T. Tresurer. 

Coll. Chandler, mr. Samuell Brown, Cp. Benj" Flagg, assessors. 

Jonathan Gates, Thomas Adams, John Curtice, Isaac moore, 
Thomas Stearns, Charls Deavnport, Edward Lyon, william Harise, 
Joseph Clerk, Samuell Hubbard, James Gray, Surveyers of high- 
ways. 

Edward Knight, Danil Biglo, Tythingmen. 

Jotham Rice, Sealor Lether. 

Joseph Hubburd, James Holdin, Jur., James m'^^onkey, Nath". 
moore, Jur., hogreives. 

Eliakem Rice, Edward Knight, Field Drivers. 

mr. James Tailor, Clerk markitt. 

Jezeniah Rice, Iseril Jenison, Absalom Rice, Fence Veiwrs. 

Town officers for y*^ year 1738 all Sworn to their Respective of- 
fices Except Solomon Johnson. 

Voted at y'^ above Sd meeting that meshurs Gershom Rice', Jur., 



1738.] Town of Worcester. 115 

Danil ward, Jonathan Gates, John Cirtice and James moore Ije a 
Comitte to provid a Suitable Schoole master For y*^ Said Town, the 
year Ensuing. 

Voted that Coll. Chandler, \Villiam Jenison, Esqr. and mr. James 
Tailor be a Comitte to Setle accounts with y" Town Tresurer, and 
also with y*" Revd mr. Isaac Burr, and make Report. 

Voted that the Incourigment granted for Killing of birds y'' year 
1737 be Continued this present year. 

Voted that if any Ram or Rams be found going at Large in this 
Town from y*^ first Day of august untill y" Tenth Day of November 
in this present year i 738, the owner or owners of Such Ram or 
Rams Shall forlit and pa\' y'' Sum of Ten Shillings to be Recovred 
by y^ Town Tresurer for y'' use of y'' [poor] in Sd Town, and y*" 
Selectmen are Disired to prefer this vote to y*" next Court of Gen- 
eral Sessions of y*" peace for y'^ County of Worcester, for their ap- 
probation of y'' Same. 

at the Disire of Sundry Persons, Inhabitents of this Town, a 
Town Road Layd out two Rods wide by us y" Subscribers. Said 
Road begining at a heep of Stons, being the South East Corner of 
y'' Land of mr. Palmer Golding near a peace of Comon Land Ad- 
joyning to y'' Land of Chads Davenport, So Runing about westerly 
by marked Trees on y*" Northerly Side of Said Road till it Comes 
to y*" Path Leading from y'' house of Said Deavenport, then to Run 
about north through Leui". Goldings Land by marked Trees on y'' 
East Side of Sd Road till it Extends to y*^ Land of mr. Jonathan 
Gates, then to Run about Northwestrly or as Said Gatesis Land 
Runs, till it Coms to y'' Town Road Leading from y*^ meeting house 
in Sd Town, the whole of y" two Rod to be in Sd Gateses Land So 
far as it Joyns to him. 

Worcester, march 4 : 1737-8 
we Consent & give y'' Land 

So far as y'" Sd way goes Benj'' Fllag, Jur. ") Selectmen 

through our Land. Palmer (iolding > of 

Palmer Golding, William Jenison ) Worcester. 

Chads Deavnport. 

The above Return was aproved of Ijy y'' Town and ordered to 
be Recorded. Attest: John Chandler, Jr., modrator. 

march 6 : 1737-8. 



ii6 Early Records. V^IZ^- 

We y^ Subscribers, Selectmen of Worcester, at the Desire of mr. 
Jacob Holmes and mr. Samu^ll Brown, have Laid out a Town way 
of two perch wide as follows, vizt : begining at y*" north East Cor- 
ner of Land of y*^ heirs of James Buttler, Deceased, at Land Left 
for a Road East of Said Buttlers heirs Land and then to Extend 
west in y*^ Line of Said heirs Land Bounding on Land of Said Brown 
about iifty perch, the Road to be in Sd Buttlers heirs Land, then 
turning and Runing through Said Browns Land Northwestrly, South- 
ward of his Dwelling house, and then near Sd Course to a Stake 
and heep of Stons on a knowle, then Elbowing or Rounding Sd 
Knowl to a Tree and heep of Stones, and from thence a Northerly 
or northwesterly Course a Cross Swampy Land to a heep of Stones 
on y'" Southwestrly Side of a Ditch Dug by Said Holmes near 3 " 
northerly Eand of a Causway, then Turning more northwester!; . 
Runing on the Southwestrly Side Said Ditch or Drean to a heep of 
Stones near y*^ Path as now Trod. Then Extending Still north- 
westerly on y'^ northrly Side Sd Path to a heep of Stones near Said 
Holmses mill Dam, and then to Sd Dam, Crossing y*" Same, then 
Runing northerly upon a Strait Line within two perch of the west- 
erly End of Sd Holmeses Dwelling house, and then near y" Same 
Course till it meets with Land of mr. Thomas Stearns, then Cross- 
ing Said Stearns his Land much as y*^ Path is now Trod till it Comes 
to a hollow, then Turning a litle westrly and Runing by a Pitch 
pine Tree marked, and then into y*^ Road Leading from mr. Pal- 
mer Goldings to y" meeting house. Said way of two perch wide to 
Lye on y'' Southerly and Southwestrly & westrly Side of Said mark 
or Lines. 

Worcester, Febry i : 1737-8 
we Consent & give 

y*^ Land through ours, William Jenison ") Selectmen 

Samuell Brown, Benj" Flag, Jur. > of 

Jacob Holmes. John Chandler, Jur j Worcester. 

To be Layd before y** Town of Worcester at their anuell meet- 
ing in march next for their approbation. 

accepted by y'^ Town & ordered to be Recorded, 
march 6 : 1737-8 

Attest: John Chandler, moderator. 



1738.] Toiuji of Worcester. 117 

Voted that y" meeting be adjourned to y'' first monday in april 
next, two a Clock afternoon. 

Attest: John Chandler, moder. 



Received of mr. Palmer Golding, Town Tresurer, on accom' of 
my Sallery, the Sum of one hundred & Twenty pound bills of Cred- 
itt being for the year 1736. I Say Received ^ me, 

Isaac Burr. 

Worcester, may 17 : 1737. 
^^120 : o : o. 



Received Feb. y*" 9"' : 1737-8 of mr. Palmer Golding, the Sum 
of Thirty four pounds, nineteen Shillings & Sixpence, being in full 
for my Salary Ending y^ first of april, 1737. 

I? me, Richard Rogers. 



Received of the Town of Worcester on account of my Sallry for 
y^ year 1736 y" Sum of ^120 : o : o ; for the year 1737 the Sum 
of ^140 : o : o ; and for y'' year 173S the Sum of ^140 : o : o for 
which Sum I have alredy given Receipts. 

I Say Received f? Isaac Burr. 

Worcester, march 19 : 1738-9. 



att a Town meeting held at Worcester on monday the third day 
of ai)ril, 1738, at one of y*" Clock in y- afternoon, John Chandler. 
Jur., Esqr. was Chosen modrator. Attest: Jonas Rice, T. Cler. 

at Said meeting y'' following Sums of money wear granted, vizt : 

To James Harrad for his Taxes for ye year 1737 on 

Condition of his being Removed & [ ] at Glasgow 02 00 00 

To Timothy (jreen, he being Taxed & having payd at 

maldin for ye year 1737. 02 01 03 

To John Patrick his Rate, he being poore and Removing 

out of Town, 02 00 00 

To John Chandler, Jur., Esqr. for John mcConkeys Town <.\: 

ministers Rates, he being in ye north half, 1737, 01 06 02 



ii8 Early Records. V^li'^- 

To James Furbush for one Pole over Rated 1737, 02 00 00 
For ye Suport of a Sutable Schoole master in the Town 

ye year Ensuing, 60 00 00 

To Cpt. Benja. Flagg for 29 black birds heads, 00 07 03 

To Jacob Holmes for 9 heads, cx) 02 03 

To Thomas Gleason for 13 heads, 00 03 03 

To Andrew mcfarling for 9 heads, 00 02 03 

To John Dunkin for 12 heads, 00 03 00 

To James Tailor for 7 heads, 00 01 09 

To John Cirtice for 7 heads, 00 01 09 

To Charls Adams for 4 heads & a Tail of a Ratle Snake, 00 01 06 

To Thomas Parker for 18 heads, 00 04 06 

To Thomas Rice for 5 heads & 9 Tails of Ratle Snakes, 00 05 09 

To John Clerk 4 Tails this year «& Eleven Last year, 00 07 06 

To wiUiam Gray ye third, 4 heads, 00 01 00 

To Joseph Clerk, 34 heads, 00 08 06 

To Decon moore for 46 heads, 00 11 06 

To Palmer Goldin for 25 heads, 00 06 03 

To Samuell Gray for 12 heads, CXJ 03 00 

To Abraham wheelor, 3 heads, 00 00 09 

To Cpt. moses Rice for Sweeping ye meeting house, 02 00 00 



74 19 02 
Voted that y*' aforesd Sums amounting in y*" whole to Seventy 
four pounds, nineteen Shillings & Two pence be Levyed on the 
Poles and Estates of y*" South half of Worcester according to Law 
for y" payment of y* Respective Sums aforesd, and y*^ assessors are 
Directed to make Said assessment accordingly. 

Whearas thear has of Late been grate hurt & damige don by 
wolves, Especily with Regard to Killing of Sheep, wherefore for 
the Encouriging y*^ Killing of wolves — 

Voted that all persons belonging to this Town who Shall within 
y" Space of one year from this Day, Kill any grown wolf within y" 
County of Worcester, and Shall make y^ Same appear to y^ Select- 
men of this Town, agreeable to y" Rules prescribed in y'' Law Re- 
lating to y" Killing of wovls, and producing a Cirtifiecut thereof 
agreeable to Law, that y" Ears thereof have been cut off and burnt 
To ashes. Shall be Intitled to y*^ Sum of Eight pounds in Bills of y* 
old Tenner, and for Every wolves whelp Saving Such as are Taken 
out of y* belly of any bitch wolf, & proceded with according to 
Law, forty Shillings — To be payd out of y"" Town Tresurey. 



1738.] Totvn of Worcester. 119 

Voted that y*^ Comitte appointed y'' 2^ of may, 1737, to fence 
in y" burying place, be disired To proceed as Speedily as may be 
therein, and to fence in y'' Same'Nvith a Two Raild fence ifc a Stone 
wall under it, & Lay their accompt before the Town for payment. 

Voted that Coll. Chandler, major Rice, Cpt. Flagg, Cpt. Hay- 
wood & Decon moore be a Comitte to project tt Lay before y'' 
Town as Soon as may be. Some proper Scheem for y^ better Im- 
proving et more Efectually applying the profifits of y" Land Lying 
in y*" South half of Worcester belonging to y^ ministers & Schoole, 
by Leasing y*" Same or otherwise, that So y*" Inhabitants of Said 
South half may Reap y^ fruit, benefitt & profifitts thereof intended 
by y" original Grants. 

The aforesd votes passed. John Chandler, Jur., modrator. 



Att a Town meeting held at Worcester on monday 3'' day of april, 
1738, at Two of y'' Clock in y' afternoon, by adjournment from 
monday y" Sixth day of march Last. 

mr. Solomon Johnson having payd a fine of five pounds for not 
Serving as Constable, the Town proceeded to Chuse a person to 
Serve in his Room & Robert Blare was unanimously Chosen. 

and then y^ meeting was adjourned To monday y*" 15"' day of 

may next, at three a Clock afternoon, To y'' meeting house by vote. 

Attest: John Chandler, Jur., modrator. 



at a Town meeting held at Worcester on may 15 : 1738, for y'' 
Choice of a Representative, John Chandler, Jur., Esqr. was Chose 
by a unanimous vote. Attest: Jonas Rice, T. Cler. 



att a Town meeting held at Worcester, may 15 : 1738, by ad- 
journment from the third Day of april Last. 

Voted that Richard ward be allowed for 18 black birds heds and 
one Ratle Snaks Tail, 050; that James moore be allowed for 70 
black birds, o 17 9 ; To Jacob Holmes for nine heads, 023. 

Voted that y*" Town will Reconsider their vote for not allowing 
Incourigment for Killing of Ratle Snakes for y" present year, and 
that any person who hes Sence y* Sixth day of march Last past, 



I20 Early Recoi^ds. \Mli^' 

and Shall for one year ensuing, Kill any Ratle Snaks in this Town 
and bring y" Tail to any of y" Selectmen & tak a Cirtficate there- 
of & that y'' Same are burnt, Shall have Sixpence for Each Tails 
to be payd him out of y** Town Tresurey. 

John Chandler, Jur., Escjr., Surveyr, and y'^ Comitte appointed 
to find whear a Center Line will Strike the Countrey Road in or- 
der to build a School house there or as near as may be in Some 
Suitable place, made Report. 

and thereupon y'^' Town Come into y" following Vote, Vizt : 
Voted that y*" Comitte or those that Still Live in the Town for- 
merly apointed to build a Schoole house, doe as Soon as may be. 
Erect and finish a School house of Demensions formerly voted, at 
or near the northwest Corner of y*^ Land of John Chandler, Jur., 
Esqr., whear he now dwells and as his fence now Stands, and that 
y" Charge thereof be payd out of the overpluse money now Lying 
in y" hands of y'^ Town Tresurer as appears by y* Settlement of y'^ 
Tresurs Last accompts, and y*^ Selectmen are drected to give order 
accordingly, the Comitte are Cpt. Heywood, Capt. Flagg, Lieut. 
Stearns and William Jenison, Esqr. 

Attest: John Chandler, Jr., Esqr. 

Persuant to the vote of y'' Town of Worcester, I have, with y* 
assistence of major Jonas Rice, Henry Lee, Esq"", and mr. James 
moore, a Comitte Chosen by y* Town & Sworn for that Purpose 
by my Self, found the Centre of y'' South half of Worcester upon 
y*" Road So far as it was Judged proper for a Suitable place to Sett 
a School house on, & I Do Report as follows, Vizt : that the 
north west Corner of my Land whear my house Stands, vizt : as y" 
fence now Stands, is one hundred Rod Southward of y*^ Center 
Line, and was by y" Comitte Judged a more proper place then to 
have gon to y" Road from the Centre, which would have fell north- 
ward of Thomas Dicks house occasioned by the Road Runing as 
it Does. may 15"' : 1738. 

Henry Lee, John Chandler, Jur. 

Jonas Rice, 

James moore. 



1 739-] Tozvn of Woi^cester. 121 

at a General Town meeting held at Worcester June 21 : 173S, 
m^ Palmer Golding was Chosen modrator. 

" Attest: Jonas Rice, T. Cler. 

voted at Said meeting that y" Towil Reconsider their vote Last 

pssed for Seting y'' Schoole house, and order by their vote that y*' 

School house be built or Set up between y*" Court house and the 

Bridg below y*" fulling mill, Either above or below the Road. 

Pallmer Golding, modrator. 



at a General Town meeting held at Worcester on march 5 : i 738-9 
for y'' Choice of Town officers, John Chandler, Esqr. was Chosen 
modr. Attest: Jonas Rice, T. Cler. 

at Said meeting y*^ following persons ware Chosen to Serve for 
y*^ year Ensuing, Vizt : 

John Chandler, Esqr., James Tailor, C. James moore, Gershom 
Rice, Jur., C. Benj" Flagg, Selectmen. 

m. Jonas Rice, T. Cler. 

Samuell Gray, Samuell Rice, Constables. 

C. Benj* Flagg, T. Tresurer. 

John Chandler, Esqr., mr. Jonas Rice, Palmer Golding, assessors. 

Joshua Child, James Holdin, Isaac moore, Danil ward, Charles 
Davenport, Isaac Fisk, , Phinehas Heywood, James Calldwell, Jo- 
tham Biglo, James How, Danil Biglo, Surveyers of highways. 

Jotham Rice, Sealor of Leather. 

David Newton, Edward Lyon, obediah ward, will. Harise, hog 
reives. 

william Temple, Isaac Fisk, Field Drivers. 

James Tailor, Clark market. 

Jezeniah Rice, Isreal Jenison, Absalom Rice, Viewers of Fenc. 

Solomon Jonson, Jacob Holms, Tythingmen. 

at a General Town meeting held at Worcester, march 5 : i 738-9. 

Voted that the Selectmen provid a Schoolmaster to Instruct y'' 
youth the year Ensuing. 

Voted that the Schoole in Sd Town be a moving School. 

Voted that the Schoole be Kept at y'' Schoole house in Said 
Town three months in y^ year, Vizt : December, January and Feb- 
ruary. 



•122 Early Records. [1739- 

Voted that the Inhabitents Southward of halfway River and y*" 
Country Road be allowed to be one quarter of the Town for a 
Schoole to be Kept, and it to be Kept alternately on both Sides 
of y*^ french River unless they other ways agree. 

Voted that the Rams be Restrained from going at Large in y*^ 
town of Worcester from y'^ Tenth day of august next to y*^ Tenth 
Day of november following, under y'^ penelty of Ten Shillings to be 
payd by y*^ owner of Such Ram So goeing at Larg, to be Recovred 
by y*" Town Tresurer to be applyed for y" use of y'^ poore of this 
Town, and that it Shall be Lawfull for any person or Inhabitent of 
this Town who Shall find any Ram or Rams goeing at Large as 
aforesd, to Cutt Said Ram and be Indemnified for his So' doing, 
and the Selectmen are Desired to git this vote or Town Law ap- 
proved at y*^ next Court of General Sessions. 

Voted that the Incourigment for Killing of Rattle Snaks for the 
year Ensuing be one Shilling for each Snak, provided the Tail be 
brought to y*^ Town at a Town meeting & afterwards Consumed to 
ashes. 

voted that Coll. Chandler, major Rice & mr. John Cirtice be a 
Comitte to Setle accounts with y*^ Late Town Tresr, and also with 
y*^ Rev^ mr. Burr, & make Report at y'' next meeting. 

Voted that the Licourigment for Killing of Birds for the year 
Ensuing be the Same as was the Last year past. 

voted that mr. Pallmer Golding, mr. James Holdin & mr. Phin- 
eas Heywood be added to y*" Comitte for fencing y^ Burying place, 
and y'' Comitte are Disired to proceed in that affair and Compleat 
y'^ Same as Soon as may be. Attest: John Chandler, modr. 



[Warrant.] 

To mr. Robert Peables, Constable of Worcester, Greeting : 

These are to Require you forthwith to warn and give notice to 

Danil Troy and hannah his wife, who are Lately come to Reside 

in this town, if they may be found in your Pricinck, to Depart out 

of this town with their Substince, otherwise they must Expect to 



1 739-] Town of Worcester. 123 

be proceeded with as y*^ Law Directs. Hearof fail not and make 
Due return to y*^ Selectmen. 

Jonas Rice 1 
Worcester, December 22'' : 1732. Nath" moore ! Selectmen 

Benj" Flagg | of Worcester. 

John Stearns J 

Worcester, Ss., December 23'^: 1732. 

I have warned y'" within mentioned Danil Troy and hannali 
his wife, to Depart this Town according to y'' tennour of the within 
written warrant. 

Robert Peables, Const'''. 



at a meeting of y" Selectmen of Worcester, April 2 : 1 734, order- 
ed that mr. Richard Rogers, master, Keep y*" free Schoole at y'' 
house of mr. James moore untill further order. 



at a meeting of y'' Inhabitents of Worcester, Duly Qualified to 
vote in Town affairs & Regulerly assembled at y'' meeting house, 
april 16 : 1739, John Chandler, Jur., Esq'', was Chosen modrator. 

Attest: Jonas Rice, T. Cler. 

at Sd meeting The Comitte appointed y'' 5"" of march Last, to 
Setle accounts with y*" Late Town Tresurer & y*^ Rev** mr. Isaac 
Burr relating to his Salary, made Report in writing under their 
hands, which was Read and accepted and ordered to goe on file. 

Voted that y*" Sum of Seventy pounds be granted for the Sui)ort 
of a proper School master for y*^ present year, to be Disposed of by 
y'' Selectmen for that purpose. 

70 : o : o. 

at Sd meeting the following Sums ware also granted : — 

To Capt. moses Rice for taking Care of ye meeting house, 

&c. the Last year, 50 s, mending Stock, 5 s, 
To Cpt. Flagg for 26 birds heads, 
To Ephraim Rice for 10, 
To Lieut. Holdin for 4, 

To James Furbus for 15 & Three snaks Tails, 
To Thomas Adams for 27 & Three tails, 
To Decon moore for 39 heds, 099 



3 


00 








6 


6 





2 


6 





I 








5 


3 





8 


1 



o 


9 


9 


o 


II 


9 


o 


2 


9 


o 


4 


6 


o 


15 





o 


6 





o 


I 


3 


o 


10 





I 


5 





2 








I 


10 


II 


I 


7 





o 


I 


6 


o 


16 


6 


o 


6 






124 Early Records. [i739- 

To Gershom Rice, Jur. 39, 

To Palmer Golding. 37 heds & 5 Tails. 

To William Caldwell. 1 1 heads. 

To Soloman Johnson. 18 heads. 

To James moore for 60 heads. 

To Edward Lyon. 24 

To william mahan, 5 

To william Johnson for Sealing a [ ] 

To Thomas Stearns, mending ye pound. 

To John Tatman. one pole over Rated. 

To william Furbus. Dito. » 

To Doctor Harvey, 54 tails. 

To James Tailor. 6 heads. 

To Joseph Crosby. 62 heads. 

To John Stearns. 24 heads. 

S4 14 5 

the aforesd Sums amoutting to Eighty four pounds, fourteen 
ShiUings & five pence was voted to be raised on poles & Estats the 
year Ensuing according to y*^ vote of y^ Town. 

Voted that y*^ Selectmen be. Desired to See the necessary Re- 
pairs of y'^ meeting house be made according to their best Judg- 
ment, and the Six pounds, five Shillings and Seven pence, a ballence 
of all former Taxes in y*^ hands of y'' Town Tresurer be applyed 
for that purpose. 

Voted that major Rice, Cpt. Flagg, Decon moore, mr. James 
Tailor cl' mr. John Cirtice, or y"^ major part of them, be a Comitte 
to Treat with a Comitte of the Court of General Sessions of y'' peace 
for y^ County of Worcester, about purchasing a Bell that may Serve 
the Town as well as y'^' County, ct also on a proper place to hang 
y^ Same, and Lay the proposalls btfore the Town for their further 
Consideration as Soon as may be. 

Voted that Incourigment for Killing of Wolves the present year 
be y'' Same in all Regards as voted by y" Town y*" Last year, 
the above votes passed, 

Attest: John Chandler, jur., modrator. 



maldin, april 23 : 1735. 
To y" Selectmen of the Town of Worcester, Gentlemen : 
we y*" Subscribers of this note, Being Chose a Comitte by y*" Town 



1 739-] Town of Worcester. 125 

of maldin to asert y" Town of maldins Right to and Renew y'' 
Bounds of the farm Granted* to Said Town of maldin by y" General 
Court y" Seventh Day of may, 1^62, for y'^ use of y' ministry in 
Said Town, Do give you notice to meet us at y'' house of mr. Jo- 
seph Crosby of your Town, oh y*" Eighth Day of may next at nine 
of y* Clock in y" morning, in order to Run y'^ Boundry Line and 
Renew y* Bounds between Said farm and y'' Land adjoyning to it 

in your Town. 

Danil Newhall, 
Samuel mower, 
Samuel Blanchard. 

at a meeting of y*" Selectmen of Worcester, \\\ answer to y'' 
within notification, william Jenison, Esqr., mr. James Tailor, major 
Jonas Rice and Cpt. Benj'^ Flagg are appointed in behalf of Wor- 
cester, to meet y*" above named Gentl'" appointed on y" part of y'^' 
Town of maldin, to Run and Renew y*' Boundry Line above men- 
tioned, & to Sign proper Duplicats of their Doings to be Returned 

to Each Town. 

John Chandler ~) 

Will'". Jenison 

Nath" moor | Sekctnicn 

James Tailor \ of 

Jonas Rice Worcestej-. 

Danil Heywood 

Benj'' Flagg 

We y" Subscribers in behalf of y'' Town of maldin, this Day met 
with persons aponted to Represent y*" Selectmen of y'' Town of 
Worcester, in order to Renew the anciant bounds of y'' farm Caled 
maldin farm, Lying partly in y" Town of Worcester and partly in y' 
Town of Shrewsbury, and have Renewed y*" Said bounds with them 
So far as they are Concerned, viz : begining at a heep of Stones 
in y" town Line, thence Runing to a Red oake tree l)lown down 
and marked M being the Southwestrly Corner of Said farm, and 
thence by Sd farm Line to a white oake tree in y'^ Line between 
Worcester & Shrewsbury. Witness our hands may 8 : 1735. 

Danil Newhall ") Comittc in 
Samuel mower >^ behalf of f 
Samuel Blanchard ) Town of maldin 

*This grant was fur one thousand acres. 



126 Early Records. [i739- 

To the Selectmen of Worcester, 

Gentm. : 
These to Inform you that according to your Disire we have 
made Choice of Peter Smith, Jonathan Foster & Ehas Keys to per- 
ambulate or Renew the Bounds Between the Towns of Worcester 
and Shrewsbury with those parsons you have appointed for Said 
Service. Dated at Shrewsbury may 29 : 1727. 

John Keys ) Comitte of 
John Keys 3 Shrewsbury. 



These may Certifie the Selectmen of Worcester that on the Sixth 
day of June 1727, having Recived notification from your Selves to 
perambulate with those whome you appointed between the Towns 
of Worcester and Ruttland, accordingly we met on Sd Day at time 
and place & Renewed & Setled the Lines between Said Towns. 

Sam'^ Weight | SelecUnen 
Joseph Stevens j of Ruttland. 



at a meeting of y'' Selectmen of Worcester, may 19 : 1735, then 
ordered that the Settlement within Expressed, together with y*" no- 
tification Sent to Selectmen of y'' town of Worcester from y*" Com- 
itte of y'' Town of maldin, be Recorded In Worcester town Book of 
Records. 

Will"^ Jenison, 
John Chandler, 
Jonas Rice, 
Benj" Flagg. 



at a meeting of y'' Inhabitents of Worcester, Qualified to vote in 
Town affairs, Regulerly assembled at the meeting house, may 23 : 

1739- 
The Comitte apointed the 16 Instent to Confer with a Comitte 

of the Hon" Court of General Sessions Respecting the purchising 

a Bell &c., made Report, which was Read and accepted by y* Town 

and thearupon voted that the Town will pay Sixty pounds Towards 

purchising a Bell not to waygh Less then Three hundred pounds. 



1 739-] Tow7z of Worcester. 127 

and that one half of y*" Frame with all y'' necessery a])i)urtinences 
for hanging Said Bell be payd by the Town, Said l^'rame to be 
Erected near a Small Tree on y''Tiorthrly Side the Highway, a Litlc 
northeastrly of Cpt. Heywoods Dwelling house ; and major Rice, 
Decon moore, mr. James Tailor & mr. John Cirtice be a Cornitte 
to Joyn with a Comitte of Said Court for purchising Said Bell and 
Building Said Frame &61., and for Coming into proper articles and 
agreement with Said Courts Comitte Relateing thereto. 

Voted that the following Sums be alowed to y" following persons. 
Vizt: 

To Doctor Hervey for Sixty live Snaks, 3 5° 

To Samuel Gray for Six Snaks & 12 birds, 066 

To mathew Clark for live Snaks & nine birds, 049 

To Cpt. James moore for Snaks & birds, o 5 9 

To Palmer Golding for 26 birds, 066 

To Cpt. Heywood for 27 birds, 069 

To Danil ward for Six birds. o i 6 

To abraham VVheelor for Snaks & birds, 076 

To Robert Blare for warning persons out of town, 090 

To Syprion Stevens, 15 birds heads. 039 

To Joseph Crosby, birds heads 20. tails 10, 0150 

To Charles Davenport, heads 9. tails 6, 083 

To Benja. Flagg. Snaks tails, 020 

To Jezeniah Rice, 5 tails, 050 

To Thomas Parker, birds heads 17, 043 

To Elijah [ ]. 28 birds heads, 079 

Voted that y* Sum of Ten pound be granted for y'' Repairs of y'' 
meeting house. 10 : o : o. 

Voted that in Case there is not money in y'' Tresury or any al- 
lowence for mr. Durent for keeping School a month y'' year past, 
that then y*" Same be & now is granted in y*" Same proportion as 
mr. marsh had. 

Voted that Such parsons as Shall bring y'' Tails of Ratlesnaks or 
y*^ heads of birds to y"" Clerk within one week, Shall be allowed for 
them, and the assessors are hearby Directed in making y*" Town 
assessment to add all Said Sinn into y'' Tax. 

Voted that y*" Selectmen be freely Impowered at y" Charge of y^' 
Town, to Culler y'' windows, Doors, wether bords & Jetts, girts, 
Bainesters into y'' Pullpit and Gallary & Stairs, white wash y" ])lates 



128 Early Records. [1739* 

and posts, and all other necessary Repairs of y^ meeting house as 
they Shall Judge proper. 

The above votes past, 

Attest: John Chandler, Jur., modr. 



at a meeting of y*^ freeholders and other Inhabitents of & belong- 
ing to Worcester, Duly Qualified to vote in y*^ Choice of a Repre- 
sentative and Regulerly assembled at the meeting house in Sd Town 
on may 23 : 1739. at Said meeting John Chandler, Jur. Esqr. was 
unanimously Chosen. Attest: Jonas Rice, T. Cler. 



at a General Town meeting held at Worcester octobr 19 : 1739. 
at Said meeting Cpt. Benj" Flagg was Chosen modrtor. 

Jonas Rice, T. Cler. 

at Said meeting mathew Gray, Jur. was Chosen Constable to 
Serve the Current year in y*" Room of Samuell Gray who was Elected 
in march last and is Sence Removed out of this Town. 

Voted that Twenty pounds be Leveyed on poles & Estats in y^ 
South half of Worcester, five pound whearof to pay mr. Richardson 
for preaching, and y'^ Remainder to be applyed for Compleating y'' 
finishing the meetinghouse, and y* assessors are Directed to add 
y* Same to y* next Town tax. 

Voted that the affair Relating to y*^ Sixty Thousand pound Loan 
mentioned in y'' third article, be Referred for further Consideration 
till y*" next Town meeting, and y*" Trustees are Disired then to Lay 
their accompt before y"^ Town. 

Voted that y*^ Request of Joseph Crosby Relating to his fine* be 
Refered for further Consideration till y" next meeting. 

Benj'' Flagg, Jur., modrator. 



at a meeting of y'" Lihabitents of Worcester on December 28 : 

*The following is the article in the warrant having reference to this mat- 
ter :— 

'*To See what ye Town will do Relating to ye Request of Joseph Crosby 
about ye fine layd on him for Selling Strong Drink without License, vizt : 
whether they will abate him all or part thereof which belongs to the Town." 



1 739-] Toivn of Worcester. 129 

1 739, Regulerly assembled, at Sd meeting William Jenison Escjr, 
was Chosen modrator. Jonas Rice, T. Cler. 

at Sd meeting Elisha Smith and Tirus Rice wear Chosen to take 
Care that y^ violaters of y*" act for y'' ppeservation of Deer be Duly 
prosecuted & punished. William Jenison, modr. 

December 28 : 1739. then y" above named Elisha Smith & Ti- 
rus Rice were Sworn to y* Faithfull Discharge of their office. 

William Jenison, Justice pace. 



[The following "Notices" are entered on the last leaf in the Book] 

Taken up Damige fiesant & Strayd by James Holding of Wor- 
cester, november 13 : 1724, a black horse Colt Coming four years 
old with a Smal Star in the forehead, haveing no artificial marks. 

Strayd by william m'lellen of Worcester, December y*' 2*^, 1724, 
a Gray mear Branded with S on Left Shoulder «S: S B on y** Left 
Buteuk. 

Strayd by Jonas Rice of Worcester, a Don mear Colt Coming 
two years old, with a black List on her back, branded on the near 
butuck with y* Letter m. Decmbr 27 : 1725. 

July 2'', 1726 & after. 
Taken up Damiag feasent & Strayd by Cpt. Nath" Jones, a Bay 
mear Suposed to be about three years old having neither Natral nor 
artificial mark. 

Taken up Damig feasent ^t Strayd, Sept. 26 : 1726, by Edward 
King of Worcester, a roan horse about 5 years old with a Star in 
his forehead, branded with y'' Letter C on y'' Left Shoulder cl^ y'' 
Letter O on his Left Buttuck. 

Danil ward Desirs these horses may be Strayd. 
a bay mear about 8 years old with a Star in y*" face, branded with 
y*^ Letter m on y*^ near butuck, valued at five pounds, also a 
Black horse Colt Coming 2 years old, branded with y" Letter m 
on y"' near butuck, valued at 5 pounds. 

Zephaniah Rice \ . .-^ 
Phinias Heywood )P ^ 



•130 Early Records. 

middsx. Worcester, Decmbr 14 : 1726. 

upon y*^ within Disire I have Strayd by y" two within aprizers 
on oath, y* mear & Colt. I ordain them to be Recorded, withed 
& Keept & published as y" Law Directs, & y*^ Expence paid or oth- 
erwise Disposed by order. 

y'' two prizers to liave 2 Shillings. 

to y*^ Judge 5 Shillings. John minses, Justice of peace. 

Strayd by Danil Rice of Worcester, January 14 : i 726-7, a Dark 
Bay Coult Coming 3 years old, having neither brand nor Ear mark 
or any natural mark Except Some white on y'' of hiende foot. 

taken up & Strayd by Edward King of Worcester, Janury 9 : 
I 727-8, a bay mear Colt Coming too years old. Brand on y* Right 
Shoulder with a W, a Star in y* forehead with too white feet be- 
hind. 

Strayd by Barned m''[cnitt?] of Worcester, Janury 12 : 1726-7, 
one Black heifer Coming 2 years old with a hapeny Cut out of her 
Left Ear. 

also a red heifer Coming 2 yers old with both ears Cropt. 

Strayd by william m'^lellan, January 16 : 1 726-7, a brinded brown 
heifer Coming 2 years old with noch Slit out on y' uper Side of 
y'' Right ear. 

January 29 : 1728-9. recived of John Dunkin of Worcester, 6 
ratel Snaks ratels which he Decleared were killed in Worcester the 
year 1728. '^ Jonas Rice, one of y*" Selectmen of 

Sd Town. 



GENERAL INDEX, 



GENERAL INDEX. 



Adams. Aaron, ii. 17, 2S. 34. 35. 36. 

39, 50. Charles, 73, 85. 88, iii, 

114, 118. John, 84. Thomas, 

79, 80. 85. 105, 114, 123. 
Alexander, John. 85, 89. 
Ammunition, to be provided by the 

Town, 39. 
Ancient Highway. 96. 
Animals branded. 18, 19, 20. 
Arbitration proposed for settlement 

with Rev. Andrew Gardner. 18. 
Assessors, election of, 10, 13, 23, ^;i. 

37> 47. 50. S3- 68. 73. 80, 87, 95, 

99, 105, 114, 121. 

B 

Ball, Eleazer. (of Rutland) 76, 77. 
Baptism of Children, 65. Water for. 

65. 78. 
Barber, Robert. 80, 81, 85. 
Batty, John. 23. 24. 28. 85. 

Beard, . 28. 

Bell for meeting house, 99. For town 

and county. 124. 126. Place for 

hanging. 124, 127. 
Biglo, David. II. 28. 55. 80. 85. 87. 

95, 102, 105, 109, III, 114, 121. 

Ebenezer, 28, 32. John, 68, 69, 

73, 80. 88, 95. 99. Jotham. 121. 
Bills of Credit. 51. 
Billo, John. 87. 
Binney, Thomas, 96. 
Birds, destructive, encouragement for 

killing, 106, 1 15, 122. 



Birds' heads and snakes' tails, nione_\' 
granted for, 123, 124, 127. 

Blair, (or Blare) Robert, 80. 81. 87. 
102. 119. 127. 

Blackstone River, 106, 1 12, 113. 

Blackbirds' heads, paid for, 118, iiy. 

Blanchard, Samuel, (of Maiden) 125. 

Bogachog, 54, 79. 

Bond for exemption from town rates. 
67. 

Boston. 9, 35, 40, 49, 67. 

Bounds, ancient, 16. 

Boundary lines established, 11. 16. 
76, 77, 81, 125, 126. 

Bourn. Rev. .Shearjashul). 21, 22. 

lioutwell, Samuel, 81, 94. 

Boyd, James, ill. 

lirand for horses. 24. 

Bridges, roads and causeways, 104. 

Brooklield, 58, 90. 

Brown. Samuel, 112. 114, 116. Tim 
othy, 105. William, 85, 87, in 

Burr, Rev. Isaac, 30, ^^, 35, 36, 37 
41,42.43,44.48, 51, 57, 63,71 
72, 73, 74. 79, 83. 91-92, 93-97 
102, 105, 106, 107, 108, no, 115 
117, 122, 123. 

Burying cloth. 65, 78. 

Burying place, 88. 112, 119. 

Butler, James, 1 16. 



Caldwell, James, 121. WilHam, 47. 

53, 54, 62, 64, 73, 85, 90, 93, 94. 

96, 102, III, 124. 
Calso, Hugh, 85. 



134 



General Index. 



Campbell. David, 114. 
Cattle and horses not owned by pro- 
prietors or freeholders, 35, 38, 

51- 

Cedar Brook, 69. 

Cedar Swamp, 55. 

Chandler, John, 75, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 
82, 83, 84, 87, 89, 90, 91, 92, 94, 
95, 96, 97, 98, 99, loi, 102, 103, 
108, 109, no, 112, 114, 115, 116, 
117, 119, 121, 122, 125, 126. 
John, Jr., 80, 97, 98, 104, 105, 
108, 109, 111, 115, 116, 117, 119, 
120, 123, 124, 128. 

Chase, , loi. 

Childs, Joshua, 87, 88, 96, 104, 105. 
121. 

Church, 17, 18, 21, 22, 29. Vote of 
Town to concur with, 18, 21. 

Churches to assist in ordination of Mr. 
Burr, 36. 

Clark, (or Clerk) John, 47, 55, 56, 64, 
71, 75, 84, 90, 106, 118. Joseph, 
85, 114, 118. .Samuel, 69. 

Clerk of market, election of, 11, 14, 
23, 34, 37, 47, 50, 53. 63, 67, 68, 
80, 87, 95, 99, 105, 114, 121. 

Compensation for highway labor, 92. 

• Committee, to adjust accounts with 
Rev. Andrew Gardner, 11, 19. 
to address Rev. Thomas White, 
29. To examine accounts relat- 
ing to highway work, 65, 88. 
To account with trustees for 
bank money, 77. To balance 
acconuts with Mr. Cunable, 15. 
To build pulpit and body seats, 
15. To build school house, 82. 
98, 120. To call to account a 
former committee, 61. To dis- 
pose of Blackstone River appro- 
priation. 113. __, 



Committee, To confer with Rev. Mr. 
Burr, 30. To finish meeting 
house. 15. 25, 61. To fence 
burying place. 112, 122. Of In- 
quiry concerning money voted, 
61. To make inquiry concern- 
ing work on cart bridges, 104. 
To purchase bell. 127. To sup- 
ply pulpit. 12. 19. 24. School, 
66, 115. To seat meeting house 
25, 26, 28, 36. Zi. 86. To settle 
accounts with town treasurer, 74, 
88, 91. 98, 102. 108. no. 115. 
122. To settle with Rev. Isaac 
Burr. 91, 98. 102. 108, no. 115, 
122. To see if it be practicaljle 
for the falls on Blackstone Riv- 
er to be made passable for fish to 
come up. 106. Of the to\\n of 
Maiden. 125. To thank Mr. 
Switcher. 77. 

Compensation, Constables. 14. For 
supply of pulpit. 14. 

Constables, division line for. 1 1 . Elec- 
tion of, 10, 13, 23. 34. 37. 47. 50, 
• 53, 62, 67, 80, 87, 95. 99, 105, 
114. 126. 

Contributors to Rev. Mr. Burr, 63. 
Envelope system, 48. 

Conkey, James, 109. 

Cook, Elijah, 56, 73, 82, 85, 99, 105, 
III. 

Couden, (or Cowden) James, 69, 80. 

Council, advice and result of, 12. 

Court, Great and General, 9, 35, 40, 
46, 67. Of General Sessions, 51, 
86, 90, 91, 100, 108, 115, 122. 
124. 

County, new, proposed, 53. Treas- 
urer, 73. Rate added for finish- 
ing meeting house, 40. 

Crawford. Matthew, 63. Robert, 63.-^ 



General Index. 



135 



Crosby, Joseph, 14. 17, 28, 47, 52, 53. 

54, 63, 71. 72. 84, 88, 95, loi. 

124. 
Cunable, Mr., 15. 
Curtice, (or Curtis) John. 68. 85. 95-, 

99, 105, III, 114, 115. 118. 122, 

124. 127. 
Cushion for pulpit. 40. 

D 

Davice, (or Davis) Simeon. 95, 99. 

III. 
Davenport. Charles, 99, 105, 114. 115 

121, 127. 
Deeds. Register of, to vote for, 73. 
Deek, Samuel. 87. 
Deer, preservation of. 129. 
Destructive birds, bounty for, 106. 

115,1 22. Heads to be consumed 

to ashes. 106. 
Dicks, Thomas, 120. 

Dikson. . 28. 

Dissent entered against proceedings 

of the town, 17, 63. 
Dunkin, Daniel. 87, 1 14. John, 28. 

56. 85. 118. 130. Samuel. 105. 
Dunlap. William. 97. 109. 
Durent. Mr., 127. 



Eaton. Joshua. 98. 

Education of youth provided for, 48, 

53. 59- 70- 78- 

Elder, William. 87. 

Elders and messengers to be enter- 
tained, 36. 

Ellis, David, 84. 

Envelope system of contribution, 48. 



Farrend, Andrew, 14, 28, 37, 47. 
Faulkner, Edmond, 17, 28. 



Fence viewers, 11, 14, 23, 34, 37, 47, 
50, 53, 62, 67, 80, 87, 95, 99, 
105, 114, 121. 

P'erguson, James, 73. 

Field drivers, 47, 50, 54, 80, 88, 95, 
100, 105, 114, 121. 

Fisk, Isaac, 121. 

Fitzgerald, Rev. Mr., 41. 

Fines paid, 87, 119. 

Flagg, Benjamin, 10, 12, 13, 14. 15, 
16, 17. 18, 19, 20, 21. 23. 28, 29. 
32, 39,41,43,44, 50, 52, 53,55, 
56, 57. 59, 61, 62, 64, 65, 67, 69, 
70, 71, 72, 79, 84, 87, U, 95, 96, 
98, 102, 104, 105, 109, 112, 113, 
114, 1 1 8, 119, 120, 121, 123, 124, 
125, 126, 127, 128. Benjamin. Jr. 
13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 22, 28,33,36, 
37> 39> 41, 53, 59, 61, 62, 64,65, 
66, 67, 73, 77, 78, 81, 82, 84,86. 
loi, 113, 115. 116, 128. Eben- 
ezer, 85, 86, 87, 99, 103, 1 11, 113 
1 14. Richard, 95. 

Ford ways, 69. 

Foster, Jonathan, (of Shrewsbury) 
126. 

Framingham, 36. 

Freeholders, 9. 67, 103. 

French River. 32. 122. 

Fullam. Francis, (of Weston) 9. 

Furbush. James, 85.87. 114, 118, 123 
William. 124. 

G 

Galleries of meeting house to be fin- 
ished, 25, 32. To be colored and 
varnished. 83. 

Gardner. Rev. Andrew, 11, 12. 16. 17 
18. 19. 30. 41. Dismissal of. 12. 
Suit of, 17. Settled with, 30. 

Gates. Benjamin, 63. 64, 85, 99, 114. 
Jonathan, 95, 102. 105, 1 10, 114, 
115. 



136 



General Index. 



General Court, grant of money by, 15, 
Act concerning wolves, 100. 

Glasgow, 117. 

Glassford, James, 85. 

Glezen, (or Gleason) Thomas, 50, 52, 
54, 63, 64, 84, 88, 99, 118. 

Golding, Palmer, 23, 24. 25, 26, 27, 
28, 34, 35. 37> 38- 39.41.50-52, 
53, 58, 63, 64. 66, 67. 68, 72, 73, 
74, 75, 80, 82, 86, 90, 94, 95, 96 
97,99, 102, 105. 108, 109, III, 
112, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 121 
122, 124, 127. 

Gookin, Daniel, 83, 98. 

Gray, James, 114. John, 10, 11, 13, 
14, 23, 28, li, 50, 58, 84. John, 
Jr. 82, 85. Matthew, 23, 24, 28 

34. 35. 37, 3S, 47' 50, 53, 72, 73 
74, 75, 80, 82, 85, 88. Matthew, 
Jr., 85, 128. Robert, 69, 102, 
105. Samuel, 54, 80, 85, 90, 97 
109, 118, 121, 127, 128. Will- 
iam, II, 23, 24, 28, 37, 38, 47, 51 
52, 53, 54, 58, 68, 73, 80, 84, 87 
90, 97, loi, 109. William, Jr., 
67, 82, 85. William, 3cl, 118. 

Graham, Andrew, ill, Dunkin, 79, 

85, 87- 
Gratuity, to Rev. Andrew Gardner, 

17. To Rev. Isaac Burr, 43, 91. 
Grave cloth, care of, 78. 
Graves, provision for digging, 60, 65, 

78. 
Great Brook, 79. 
Great Swamp Causeway, 70. 
Green, Samuel, (of Leicester) 81. 

Timothy, II 7. 

H 

Haggit, Thomas, II ,16, 17, 28, 34, 

35, 47, 50, 53, 63, 68, 69, 84. 
Halfway River, 11, 49, 55, 60, 122. 



Halfway River, bridges paid for, 71. 

Hambleton, James, 14, 28, 34, 35, 47 
50, 56, 58, 63, 84. 87. Thomas, 
64, 73, 85, 87. William, warned 
to depart the town, 22, 23, 

Harper, Moses, 73, 84. 

Harrad, James, 1 17. 

Harris, William, 73, So, 86, 89, 105. 
114, 121. 

Hartford, 36. 

Harvey, Doctor, 124, 127. 

Hemp and flax, surveyor of, 95. 105. 

Henchman, David, 27. 

Heywood, Daniel, 10, 11, 12, 15, 17 
. 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 

28, 30, IZ^ 34, 35, 36, 37' 38, 39 
42,43,47,48, 51, 53.58.67, 71 
72, 73. 74, 75, 80, 81, 82, 86, 87 
88, 93.94, 95, 96, 97, 98. loi. 
102, 108, no, 112, 114, 119, 120 
125. 127. Eleazer, (of Rutland) 
76. 77. Phineas, 80, 85, 87, 121 
122, 129. 

Highway labor, compensation for, 92 
.Surveyor called to account, 80, 
88. Work, committee on, 65. 

Highway Tax, assessed, 70. 99, 103, 
Of persons refusing to work, 71. 
Regulations concerning, 92. To 
be worked out, 32, 60, 70, 78, 92 
104. 

Highways and Bridges, 32, 43, 49, 54 
56, 60, 66, 86, 88, 96. loi, 103. 
H2. 

Highways, discontinued, 54, 61, 106. 
Laid out, 12, 26, 43, 54, 56, 57, 
68, 69. 70, 79, 88, 89, 101, 115, 
116. 

Hog reeves elected, 11, 14, 23, 24, 
37, 47. 50, 53, 63. 67, 68, 80. 87 
95, 99, 105, 114, 121. 

Hoklin, Daniel, 114. James, 11, 17, 



General Index. 



"^11 



Holdin, James, 19. 28, 1,^^ 36. 37. 38 

43. 47. 48, 49, 50, 52, 53. 59. 61 
62, 66, 68, 69, 71, 72, 74, 80, 81 
82. 84, 89, 99, loi, 104. 105, 106 
III, 118, 121, 122, 123, 129. 
James, Jr., 1 14, Josiah, 1 14. 

Holmes, Jacob, 11, 14, 16, 17, 19, 23 
28, 30. 31, 39,40,41, 50, 54, 58 
84,86, 102. no. 114, 116, 119, 
121. William. 116. 

How. James, 11, 12, 25, 27. 37, 38, 
44.45.47. 58, 86, 121. 

House for public worship of God, 30. 

Hubbard, Daniel, 53. 54, 57, 58, 73. 
John, 10, II, 13, 19, 22. 25, 27. 
34^36.39.48. 50. 51.55.61,69 
98. Joseph. 114. Samuel, 114. 

Hunter, John, iii. 

I 

Irish petition, see Scotch Presbyte- 
rians. 
Indemnitication for cutting rams, 122. 

J 

Jenison, Israel. 95. 114. 121. Sam- 
uel, 41. William, 47, 48. 49. 50 

51. 52. 53. 55. 56, 57. 58, 59. 60 
61, 62, 64. 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70 
71, 72. 73, 74. 75. 80, 81, 83,84 
87, 88, 89, 90, 93, 94, 95, 96, 98 
loi, 105, 106, 112, 113. 114, 115 
116. 120. 125, 126. 129. 

Johnson. Caleb, 84. Solomon. 84. 88 
97.99. 102. 105, 109. no. Ill, 
114, 119, 121. 124. William. 124. 

Johnston. Rev. William. 106. 

Jones. Nathaniel. 10. 11, I2, 13. 16. 
17. 18. 19. 20. 22. 24. 25. 27 28, 

30. 32. yo- 36- 38. 39.41.42.43 

44. 52. 54, 129. Phineas. 59. 



K 

Keys, Elias, and John, (of Shrews- 
bury) 126. 

KilloAigh, John, 14, 15, 28, 30. 

King, Edward, 50, 129, 130. Peter, 
28. Robert, 87. 

Knap, James. 12, 14, 28. 

Knight, J Edward, 86. 95, 100, 105. 
Ill, 114. 



Labor on highways, allowance for, 71 

Lancaster, 36. 

Land conveyed for Town Pound, 31. 

Learned, Ebenezer and Isaac, (of 
O.vford) Si. C . 82. 

Lee, Abner, iii. Henry, 9, 11, 12. 
13. 14. 16, 19, 21, 22, 24. 25. 27 
28, 29, 30. 31. y^,. 38. 39.47,48 
' 50.51.55.56.58.59.66.67,72 
75. 81. 82. 86, 87, 88, 95, 98,99 
109, 120. 

Leicester, 11, 36. 46. 76, 8i. in. 
Selectmen of. 81. 

Lenard, (or Leonard) Moses, 9, 12. 
17. 21, 22. 23, 24, 25,27,33.37 
38. 39. 42. 43. 48. 95. 

Library of Rev. Isaac Burr, 79. 

Lime, disposal of. 30. 61. 

Lincoln's History of Worcester re- 
ferred to. 52. 106. 

Lord's Day Contribution. 48. 

Lothridge. Robert. 23, 24. 28. 47, 58 

85- 
Lyon. Edward. 114. 121. 124. 

M 

Mahan. William. 28. 85. 88. 124. 
Maiden. 1 17. 124, 125, 126. Farm 

or ministerial land of. 125. 
Marble. Robert. 80, 86. 87. 88. 95. 



138 



General Index. 



Marlborough, 36. 
Marsh, Mr., 127. 
Maynard, Joseph, 73. 
McClelland, (or McLellan) James, 
23, 28, 29, 33, 40, 41, 47. 56, 58 
63, 64, 66, 67, 69, 72, 85. James 
Jr. 47, 68, 74. William, 28, 54, 
68, 69, 80, 85. 87. 93, 94, 129, 
130. 

McClintock, John, 87. 

McFarland, Andrew, 64, 68, 84, 95, 
97, 102, 104, 105, 109, 112. 118. 
Andrew, Jr., 85. John, 85. 

Mc Knight, , in. 

McKonkey, Alexander, 24, 28, 30, 50 
85. James, 114. John, 86, 90, 
91, 97, 100, 105, III, 117. 

McNal, William, 21, 28. 

McNitt?, Earned. 130. 

Meeting house, alteration of seats, b\ 
84. Coloring and varnishing of 
ZTy, 127. Painting of, 97. Re- 
pairs of, 91, 124, 127. Sweep- 
^ ing of, 30, 37, 52, 59, 65, 78, 118 
Town grant for, 20. Tax levied 
for, 24. Seating of, 25, 27, 28, 
32, 36, 83, 84. 

Mendon, 86, 87. 

Metcalf, Ebenezer, (of Rutland) 76. 

Middlesex County, 31. 130. 

Millbrook, 11, 79, 86. 

Miller, Isaac, 12, 17, 23, 28, 100, 105 
Isaac, Jr., 95. John. 58. 

Minister, called, 29, 'i,-i,. Support of, 
21, 30, 48. Settled with, 72. 
Temporal interest of, 12. 

Ministers, to preach on trial, 18. To 
be entertained, 20. 24. 

Ministerial lands, 18, 21, 98. 99, 119 

Minott, Col. Stephen, 16. 

Minses, (or Menzies) John, (of Lei- 
cester) 46, 130. 



Money granted, for support of schools 
118, 123. By General coirrt, 15 
25, 51. To Rev. Isaac Burr. 73, 
79. 83. To entertain messengers 
and elders, 36. To several per- 
sons, 58, 71, 81, 86, 117, 118. 

Money refunded to North Part, 74. 

Moore, Collins, 54, 58, 64, 71. Isaac, 
24. 26, 63, 80, 85, 93, 94, 102, 
III, 114, 121. James, 14, 15,26 
28. 37. 38, 53^ 58, 63, 64, 66, 70 
71- 73' 75- 78. 79. 82, 84,90,95 
99, 115. 119, 120, 121, 123, 124 
127. Jonas, 26. Jonathan, 10, 
17, 19, 27. 28, -il, 34, 39. 41, 44 
54, 63. Nathaniel. 9, 10, 11. 13 
14, 17, 19. 22, 25, 27, 28, 29 32 
Zl^ 34. 36, 37^ 38' 39: 40, 41, 42 
43. 44, 47' 48' 49, 50, S', 53, 54 
55' 57. 59- 62, 63, 64, 70, 71, 72 
73, 74, 75. 78, 79, 80, 81, 83, 86 
87,89, 95, 96, loi, 113, 114, 
118, 119. 123. 124, 125, 127. 
Nathaniel, Jr., 114. 

Moving school, 73, 79, 96, 121. 

Mower, Samuel, (of Maiden) 125. 

N 

New County, 53. 

Newhall, Daniel, of Maiden. 125. 

Thomas, of Leicester, 81. 
Newton. David, 121. 
Nichols, William, 73, 78, 82. 85, 90. 

O 

Odare, James. 109. 
Oxford, 32, 46. 55, 81. 

P 

Palmer. Thomas, 27, 28. 

Parker, Thomas, 50, 56, 85. 118. 127. 

Patrick. John. 68, 69. 85. 117. 



General Index. 



139 



Peebles, (or Peables) John. 86, 89. 
Patrick, 86, 88. Robert, 11. 23, 

24, 28, 34, 35, 36. 37, 38, 39, 47 
53^ 58, 69, 73. 84. 89, 93, 94, 
105, 122, 123. 

Penalty for entertaining horses and 
neat cattle on common land. 89, 
90. For not working out high- 
way tax, 104. 

Petition to General Court, 37. 

Pews assigned to particular persons. 

25. 27. 84. 

Pew Hinges paid ior, 71. 

Pine -Meadow, 26. Bridge, '96. 

Pound, to be built. 12, 13. Accepted 

30 • 

Pound and Stock, 97. 

Pound keeper appointed. 53. 

Precincts, dividing line, 11. 

Proprietors, meeting called, 22. To 
join with the town in making ap- 
plication to General Assembly, 

37- 
Protest against action of the town in 

case of Mr. Gardner, 17. 
Providence River, 106. 
Province, Law concerning wolves, 

100. Tax, 92, 99, 103. 
Psalms, to be sung in rulable way. 38 
Public land, 98. 
Pulpit, cushion for. 40, 78. Supply 

of, 12. 24. Sum paid for the 

Sabbath. 14. 

Q 

Quinsigainond Pond. 46. 

R 

Rams, regulations concerning, 91, 
100, 108, 115, 122. 

Rattlesnakes' rattles, receipt for, 130 



Ra{tlesnakes, bounty for, 52, 59, 64. 
65. 71, 78, 83, 91, 98, 105, 120, 
^ 122. Tails to be consumed to 
jishes, 98, 105, 122. Vote con- 
cerning. 102. Reconsidered, 119 

Register of Deeds, to vote for, 73. 

Report, of Committee on settlement 
with Mr. liurr, loS. Of Com- 
mit lee to settle with iJaniel 11 cy- 
wootl, late Treasurer, 108. On 
Treasurer's account, 94. 

Representative to Great and General 
Court. 35. 40, 49, 52, 67, 103, 
1 10, 1 14, 119, 128, 129. 

Request to be released from sujijiort 
of Rev. Mr. Burr, 106. 

Resolve of General Court authorizing 
the first Town Meeting, 8. 

Reward for killing wolves, 100. 

Rice, Absalom, 87, 114, 121. .\bisha 
17. 41. 43. 87. 114. Barzilla, 91 
114. Daniel, 130. Edward, (of 
Rutland) 76, 77. Kliakem, 85, 
95. 100, 105, 106, 114. Ephraim 
17, 28,41,48, 55, 63.64,79,85 
86, 87. Gershom. 9, 15. 17, 19 
20, 21, 23. 24. 26. 28, 29, zi 

34- 35' 36, 39- 40, 42, 4^J. 47. 49 
50. 54, 58. 67, 72, 77, 80,81, 84 
86, 87, 89, 90, 95, 97, 99, 100. 
loi, 106. Gershom, Jr., 17, 23, 

47, 50, 56, 59. 66, 68, 74, 84, 86. 
95. 98, 99. 112, 114, 121, 124. 
James, 13, 14, 15. 17. 22, 23, 24 
25, 28, 30, 37, 38, 39, 40. 41, 42 
43. 44, 46, 48, 49, 50, 52. 
Jezeniah, 86, 87, 114, 121, 127. 
Jonas, 9, II, 12, 13, 16, 17, 18, 

23, 24, 25, 26, 27. 29, 30, 32. T,T„ 

34, 35, 37- 38- 39- 40,41.43-47 

48. 49. 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 56,57 
58, 62. 65. 66, 67. 68, 69, 70, 71 



140 



General Index. 



I\ice, Jonas, (continued) 72, 73, 74. 
75, 78, 79, 80. 81, 82, 86, 87, 90, 
94, 95' 96, 98, 99, 101, 102, 103 
104, 105, 109, no, III, 112, 113 
114, 117, 119, 120. 121, 122, 123 
124, 125, 126, 127, 128. 129, 130 
Jonas, Jr.,, 50, 54, 68, 69, 80, 85 

87, 88, 105, 114. Joshua, 57. 
Josiah, 17, 28, 34, 35. Jotham, 
17, 18, 37, 50, 63, 64, 80, 84, 87 

88, 102, 105, 109, no. 114, 121. 
Matthias, 85, 87. Moses, 23, 24 
25, 26, 28, 53, 54, 58, 63. 64, 70 
71, 81, 84, 87, 88, 91, 94, 95, 98 
99, I02, 118, 123. Samuel, 121 
Thomas, 17, 28, 47, 48, 69, 85, 
118. Tirus, 32, 34, 35, 50, 73, 
79, 85, 87, 88, 90, 91. Zebadiah, 
55, 85, 95, 99. Zephaniah, 13. 
14, 15, 17, 23, 24,27,30,31, 34, 

37. 39,40^42, 51. 53. 54, 57- 5^ 

59, 60, 61, 62, 65, 129. 
Richardson, Thomas, (of Leicester) 

81. 
Rogers, Richard, Schoohnaster, 78, 

94, 96, 109, 112, 117, 123. 
Roper, Ephraim, 26, 58, 63, 123. 
Rugg, Joseph, 85, 87. 
Rutland, 16, 69, 76, 77, SS, 126. 

S 

Saidmare, (or Scidmor) Richard. 99, 

III. 
Salary, offered Mr. Bourn, 21. Voted 

Mr. Burr, 44. 97. 105. Of School 

master, 78. 
Sanger, Isaac, 63, 64. 
Saw mill, 56. Hubbard's, 69. 
School, for education of youth, 39. 

47. 66, 70, 73, 100. Support of 

43. 49. 62, 66, 73, 79, 86, 91, 97 

102, 112. 



School Committee, 66, 115. 

School Dames for small children, 70. 
How paid, 70. 

School House, dimensions of, 82. 
Location of, 120. Changed. 121 
Vote not to build, 62. Vote to 
build, 82, 120. 

School land, 62, 98. 99, 119. 

Schoolmaster, first, 43. Salary of, 78, 
Support of, 118. 

Scotch Presbyterians, answer to pe- 
tition of, 106. 

Sealer of Leather, II. 13. 23, 34. 37, 
47< 50, 53, 62, 67, 84, 87. 95. 
99. 105, 114, 121. 

Selectmen, 10, 13, 23, 34. 37. 47, 50 
53. 62. 67. 80. 87. 95. 99. 105. 
114, 121. 

Shrewsbury, 11. 16, 36. 96. 101, 125. 
126. 

Singing in public worship, 1%, 46. 

Smith. Elisha, 129. John. 27.28,55 
68. 69, 84. 98, 105. John. Jr. 85 
88, 105. Moses. loi, 109. Pe- 
ter, (of Shrewsbury) 126. 

Southgate, Richard, of Leicester 81. 

Starling, John, 85. 

Standards for Clerk of the Market, 
12, 31. Weights and measures, 
24, 31. 

Stearns, (or Starnes) John, 12, 14, 
28. 30, 31, 48, 49. 50,56.73.78 
79. 84, 98, 99, 123. 124. Thom- 
as. 37, 38, 39. 52, 53.. 57. 58, 61 
64. 65. 67, 69. 70, 71. 75. 81, 82 
84, 98, 105. 114, 116. 124. 

Stevens, Joseph, of Rutland. 76. 77. 
Syprian, 105, 127. 

Stinson, John, 85. 

Stowe, town of, to be indemnified for 
support of child of Robert Craw- 
ford, 63. 



General Index, 



141 



Strong drink, line for selling, 128. 

Sudbury, 36. 

Surveyors of Highways. 11, 13. 23, 

34, 37'.47> 50. 53. 62, 67, 80; 87 

95, 99, 105. 
.Surveyors of Hemp and Flax, 99, 105 
Sutton, 46, 106, 112. 113. 
Swan, John, 63. 
Swift River, 54. 
.Swine, to run at large, 15. 24. 35. 48 

51, 59, 63, 74. To be ringed and 

yoked, 59. 
Switcher, (or .Svvitsor) Wigglesworth 

of Boston, 77. 



T 



Tatman. John, 124. 

Tax levied, bounty for snakes and 
birds, 1 24. For sujiport af pub- 
lic worship, II, 15, 24. 30. 43, 
44. 91, 128. For highways and 
bridges, 32, 60, 86, 103, 113. 
For meeting house, 36, 39, 51, 
60, 128. For support of schools 
79, 91. To discharge Town debt 

77- 

Taylor. James. 15. 17. 20, 23, 25, 27. 
28, 29, 30, 31, 32,34,35, 36,37. 
38. 39. 40. 41, 42, 43, 46, 47, 48, 
49, 50, 54, 61, 62. 63, 64, 65, 68, 
69, 73, 80, 83, 88, 90,91, 94. 95, 
96, 97, 98, 99, loi, 105, 109, 
113, 114,' 115. iiS. 121, 124, 
125, 127. Omphrey or Hum- 
phrey, 85, 90. 

Temple, Joseph, 89. Willi.im. 85. 89 
99,121. 

Thanks of the Town, to Mr. Switch- 
er, 77. To Hon. Adam Win- 
throp, 40. 

Thomas, Samuel, 73, 102. 



Thomson, James, 69. Samuel, 58. 68 
69. 73, So, 87. 
-Thorington, James, 68, §4. 
Thurston, Joseph, 71. 
Town Books, i 2. 
Town Bounds estalilished, 81. 
Town Clerk elected, 10, 13. 23, 34. 

37. 47. 50, 53> 62, 67, 80, 87, 95 
99, 105, 114, 121. 

Townsend, Benjamin, 28, 63, 64, 68. 

John. 105. 

Troy. . 109. Daniel, 122, 123. 

Trustees to receive and let money, 51. 
Tythingmen. 11, 14, 23, 34, 37, 47. 

50, 53, 62, 67, 80, 87. 95. 99, 

105, 114, 121. 

W 

Waldo, Cornelius. 56. 

Wallis, James, 5S, iii. Oliver, 85. 

Ward, Daniel. 14, 16. 20, 26, 28. 37, 

38, 39,41. 53, 54, 59,61,64,68, 
69, 70, 72. 74. 75, 79, 82,84,90 
97, 109. III. 115. 121, 127, 129. 
Is.iac. 57, 59. 73, 85. 88. Oba- 
diah, 57, 63, 64, 6S. 80, 85, 95, 
102, 109, 121. Richard, 11, 17, 
21, 23, 24, 28, 54, 65, 68. 85, 
119. 

Watson. John, 41. 

Weston. 10, 36. 

Wheeler, Abraham, 73, 80, 84, 96. 
114, 118, 127. Isaac, 26, Rich- 
ard, 28. 32. 

Wheet. Dr.. 109. 

Whitaker, William, ill. 

White. Rev. Thomas, chosen minis- 
ter, 29. 

WilLard, Jonathan, 53, 54, 55, 56. 

Williams. Schoolmaster, 93. 

Winthrop. Adam, 13, 27, 28, 40. 

Witherby, Isaac, 88, ill. 



142 



General Index. 



Wobnrn, in. 

Wolves, act concerning, loi. En- 
couragement for killing. 100, 
118, 124. Heads and ears, loi, 
118. 

Wooly, Joseph, 95. 

Worcester, ancient bounds of, 16. 
Invested with privileges of other 
towns, 8. Oxford, Sutton and 



Hassmisco, farm lands lying be- 
tween. 46. 

Wright, Samuel, (of Rutland) 76, 77. 

Wyman, Mr., Schoolmaster. 75. 93. 

V 

Young, David. 28, 47. 50. 54. 63, 64, 
73- 



X',. yii. 



P R O C E E D 1 1\ G S 



■.OF THE V 



MoFfFstPF Soriptg of J^ntiqnitg, 



For The Year 



1879. 




WOllCICSTEU, MASS. : 

I'UBLISIIEL) BY THE SOCIETY. 

1880. 
V. S. A. CIV. 



P R O C E 1<] D I N G S 



CL.-^vi-A^J? TIIE-i,T»^ i; 



/ 



opfFstFr ^oripfg of ^nflqnilg, 



For The Year 






1879. 




WORCESTER, MASS. : 

riTBLISIIED BY THE SOCIETY 

1880. 

U. S. A. OIV. 



WORCESTER : 

PRESS OF CLARK JILLSON'. 

1880. 



OFFICERS FOE 188U 



PRESIDENT. 

CLARK JILLSON. 

VICE-PRESI DENTS, 

ELLERY B. CRANE, ALBERT CURTLS. 

SECRETARY, 

DANIEL SEAGRAVE. 

TREASin^ER, 

JAMES A. SMITH. 

I,IBRARIAN, 

ALBERT A. LOVELL. 



Committees for 1880, 



_ A--iJ^S*'>-i;iJN;=>t^ 



EXECliTIVE COMMITTEE. 

CLARK JILLSON, ELLERY B. CRANE, 

ALliERT CURTIS, DANIEL SEAf;RAVE, 

JAMES A. SMITIL 



STANDING COMMITTEE OX NOMINATIONS. 

EDWARD R. LAWRENCE, for 1 yenr, 
FRANKLIN P. RICE, for 2 years, 
CHARLES R. JOHNSON, for 3 years. 



COMMITTEE ON BIOGIlAniY. 

HENRY L. SHUMWAY% ALBERT TYLER. 

ALFRED S. ROE. 



COMMITTEE ON PUBLICATION. 

CLARK JILLSON, ELLERY B. CRANE, 

ALBERT CURTIS, DANIEL SEAGRAVE, 

JAMES A. SMITH, ALBERT A. LOVELL, 

FRANKLIN V. RICE. 



Departments of Work. 



AUCIIJ:()LO(iY AND (JEXERAL HISTORY. 

CliMiles K. Johnson, Ilenrv F. Stodnian, Preston 1). Jones, 

William 11. liartlelt, Israel I'lunnner, Isaac N. Metealf, 

Alfred S Roe, Thomas M. Lamb, Eben F. Thompson, 

Franklin P. Rice, Charles A. IMoriian. Kllery 15. Crane, 

Henry D. l>arl)er, Kdwanl 11. Piee, Francis T. Plackmer, 

Ilenrv Blanchard, James L. Fsty, George W. Phillips, 

Thos. A. Dickinson, William L. Clark, Chas. F. Wasliliurn, 

.lulm W. lirigham. Harvey 15. AVilder, Charles. ^V Clark. 

LOCAL IIKroiiY AND OENEALOGY. 

Kllery P.. Crane, K. II. Marshall, Albert Tyler, 

Thos. K. P>artlett. Charles A. Chase. Henry ]M. Smith, 

Daniel Seaurave. J-ames A. Smith, Epliraini Tucker, 

Albert A. Lovell, K. P. Lawrence. llemy F. Donglas, 

Franklin P. Pict', William T. Harlow, Chas! II. J. Douolas, 

IL II. Cliambeilin, P>ciij. John Dodge, Albert Curtis, 

Clark Jillson, A. JL P. Sprague, W. II. Pigelow, 

George A. .Jordan, linrton W\ I'otter, Peuben P. Dodge. 

ANCIEX't MAXUSCllIPTS, ITLIJCATIONS AND EXGRAYINOS 

Clark Jillson, Edward I. Comins. Henry L. Shumway, 

Wni. P. Harding, Chas. IL AVhiting, Theo. S. Johnson, 

Albert Tyler, Chas. W . Estabrook, Samuel E. Staples, 

Augustus Coolidge, Nathaniel Paine, Chas. W. Fenno, 

Merrick Bemis, Fisher A. Posworth, John Merrill, 

Charles C. Paldwin, Augustus E. Pi'ck, (ieorgc Sumner, 

Albert Tolman. -lohn Cort, Addison Prentiss. 

RELICS, COINS, AND CVRIOSITIES. 

Henry Phel[)s, Olin L. JMerriam, Geo. E. Poyden, 

Richard O'Flynn, Augustus Stone, Pardon A. Lee, 

William IL Howe, Joseph N. Bates, E. II. Thompson, 

Nelson R. Scott, Alex. C. Munroe, Theo. S. Johnson, 

(Jeorge Sumner, Norton L. Cook, Albert G. Maiui, 

Franklin C. Jillson, E. H. Marble, Stephen C. Earle. 



|?ubUfation5 of the ^ocidir. 



Pkockkding.'< fok 1875-7. 

Constitution and List of Officers, published 

WITH NuMliKR I. <»F PRO('FEI)IN(iS. 

Proceei)in(;s for 1.S77. 

Inscriptions from the Old • Burial Grounds in 
Worcester, published with Number III. of Pro- 
ceedings. 

No. V. Proceedings for ]'S7'S. 

No. VI. Early Records of the Town of Worcester, Book 
I., 1722-1739. 

No. VII. PRO(n;EDiNGS for 1879. 

No. VIII. Early Records of the Town of Worcester, Book 
II., 1740-17.53. 



No. 


I. 


No. 


II. 


No. 


Ill 


No. 


IV. 









M 






1^ 






PROCEEDINGS 



For 1879. 



''PIIE WoEOESTER Society of Antiquity held its first 
^ Regular Meeting subsequent to the Annual Meet- 
ing, at the Library of the Societj^, Tuesday evening, 
Feb. 4th, LSTl), with seventeen members present. — 
Hon, Clark Jillson in the chair. 

The Standing Committee on Nominations made a 
report, nominating Mr. Nathaniel Paine, Kev. Henry 
Blanchard and George Jordan, M. 1)., of Worcester, 
and Mr. Reuben Rawson Dodge, of Sutton, for active 
membership in the Society, which report was accept- 
ed, and the })ersons nominated were unanimously 
elected by a yea. and nay l)allot. The report of tlie 
Librarian, of Donations rect'ived during the month 
of Janiiai-y, L^T'J, was read by the Secretary in the 
absence of the Librarian. The matter of tlie publi- 
cation of the Proceedings of tlie Society was referred 
to, and on motion of Mr. Sanuiel E. Stai)les, Albert 
A. Lovell and Fi'anklin V. Rice were added to the 



1<> 

Publication Committee. On motion it was voted 
that the Department of Ancient Manuscripts, Publi- 
cations and Engravings be allowed to report in print. 
A Special Meeting of the Society was held at the 
Library, Tuesday evening, February 17th, sixteen 
members being present. Mr. Crane, in behalf of the 
Lecture Committee, presented the following report 
and moved the adoption of the resolutions contained 
therein. 

R E I' K T . 



Your Committee having in charge the management of a Lec- 
ture Course, given under the auspices of this society, and which 
has just closed, the final lecture having been delivere<l l)v John 
E. Russell Es(|., of Leicester, would olfer the following report: 

Total amount of cash received from the sale of tickets, $1 IG.^a. 
Total amount of expenses attending the course, i>U,N4. Amount 
of cash, being net profit of the course, still in the hands of the 
committee, $2(j,01. 

Although the profits of the course, in a financial point of view, 
seem small, the very favorable impression that has gone out from 
it, and the public notice that it has given the Societj' will, we 
think, add greatl}' to the future i)rosperity of our organization ; 
and your committee are confident that had the evening of Feb. 
11th been as favorable for lecture goers as the previous evenings 
had been, our net proceeds would have shown a material increase 
from what it now is, for it has since come to the knowledge of the 
committee that man}' persons who were deprived of hearing Mr. 
Russell's lecture on account of the unpleasant weather, are desir- 
ous that it ma}' be repeated, therein' granting another o[)portu- 
nity for the people of Worcester to hear a fine address, and we 
desire to offer the following Resolutions and recommend their 
adoption : — 



11 



lii'sohu'd. That we extend the thanks of this Society to Profess- 
ors Alfred 8. Roe and Edward II. Kiee of our High School, and 
31 r, Frank F. Fitch, for their vahiable assistance rendered Thurs- 
day evening Feb. (Ith, at Plymouth Ghapel, thereb}' contril)uting 
hirgely to the interest and success of our Lecture Course, the first 
oill'ied under the auspices of this Society. 

RcfiiilcMj,, That we tender the thanks of The Worcester Society 
of Antiquity to John E. Russell Esq., of Leicester, for his admi- 
rable Lecture, "Moorish Remains in Spain," delivered before the 
Society Tuesday evening, Feb. lltli, at Plymouth Chapel. This 
most generous act on the part of ]\L'. Russell has placed the So- 
ciety under lasting obligations to liim. and we but express the 
sentiment of all who enjoyed the unqualilied pleasure of listening 
to the address, in asserting that it was by far the most brilliant, 
instructive and interesting lecture that has been presented to a 
Worcester audience for many years ; that the simplicity, ease and 
grace. in which the speaker presented his subject, connnanded the 
admii'ation of all present, and there comes to us but one unani- 
mous verdict, that of api)lause. 



The above Report was accepted and the Resolu- 
tions adopted. On motion it Avas voted that the funds 
in the hands of the Lecture Committee be transferred 
to the Treasurer. Mr. S. E. Staples moved that the 
matter of inviting Mr. Russell to repeat his Lecture 
l)e referred to the Lecture Committee with power to 
act, which motion was carried. 

The regular meeting for the month of March was 
held Tuesday evening March 4tli. On account of 
the Lecture by Mr. John E. Russell at Plymouth 
Chapel under the auspices of the Society, occurring 



12 

this evening, there was a small attendance, four 
members only being present. After the reading ot 
the minutes of the last regular and special meetings, 
it was voted, on account of the lecture and the lack 
of a quorum for business, to adjourn the meeting for 
two weeks. 

At the adjourned meeting, held Tuesday evening 
March 15th, there was a full attendance, twenty- 
three members and four visitors being present. — 
The Standing Committee on nominations made a re- 
port nominating T. S. Knowlton of West Brooklield 
for corresponding membership, and Pardon A. Lee 
of Worcester for active membership in the Society. 
The report was accepted and Messrs. Knowlton and 
Lee were unanimously elected. A letter from Rev. 
Silas Ketchum, of Poipionock, Ct., a corresponding 
member, was read by the Secretary. The monthly 
report of the Librarian was accepted and placed on 
file, as was also the report of Mr. Crane in behalf of 
the Committee on Publication. The President an- 
nounced, in a few appropriate remarks, the decease 
of lion. Elihu Burritt, an honorary member of the 
Society, who died at his home in New Britain Conji., 
on the Gth instant, at the age of 08 years. Having 
invited Rev. Albert Tyler, an asscjciate member, to 
prepare a suitable memento to be placed in oiu- ai- 
cliives, the Secretary, at his request, and in his ab- 
sence from the city, read the following meihorial 
which was adoj)ted by a rising vote: — 



13 

IN MEMORIAM 



A (listiiiguished man, ol' world-wide celebrity, known among 
men of letters as well as among the common people as "The 
J.i:ahm:i> Blacicsjiitii," an Honorary Associate of this Society — 
Ki.iHi: BuKuiTT — is no longer numbered in the ranks of the living. 
Having almost accomplished his three score years and ten, accord- 
ing to the scriptural alotment of human life — years filled with 
remarkable acquisition and industrious and laborious work — he 
has peacefully fallen asleep among the entombed of his generation 
and kindred, and will mingle no more among the activities of life. 

lie is deail I The great change came to him on Thursday, the 
(!th inst., at midnight, at his home in New Britain, Conn., the 
town of his l)irth, and his residence since his return from Europe. 
On the succeeding Monday he was buried with funereal honors, 
such as are seldom so spontaneously and uni\ ersally rendered 
to the dead, l)v his townsmen and associates, near and far, among 
the living. 

The history of this remarkable man is brietly this. He was 
born Dec. 8, 1810, the ^-oungest of a family of ten children. — 
He bore the same name as his father and grandfather. Ilis fam- 
ily were in indigent circumstances, and from his earliest v'ears he 
learned to be self-dependent. Choosing the blacksmith's trade 
among the callings open to him in life, he served his time as an 
ap[)reutico, and was honorably inducted into the ranks of those 
who swing the hannner, blow the lire, and literally "make the 
sparks tly" — results which became metaphorically indicative of 
the work to which his after life was dedicated, in which he struck 
such sturdy and ponderous blows, in the heat of a zeal resolute 
and untiring, as that the moral atmosphere was tilled with the 
scintillations of a light that illuminated two hemispheres. 

He seems to have been given by nature a taste for the lan- 
guages — a remarkal)le genius, so to speak, for their acquisition. 
By the light of the forge, while the iron was heating, and Avhile 
he pulled at the l)eUows, with his liO(^k convenienllv oi)en for a 
glance in an unwasted moment, he laid the foundation Ibr liis 
after celebrity. Exhausting the literary resources of his native 
town, he went to New Haven, where he worked and studied, until 



14 



casually hearing of the advantages which the American Anti- 
quarian Soeiet}' at Worcester presented, to one of his tastes and 
purposes, he came to this city, then a considerable inland tovvu, 
and finding emploj-ment as a blacksniitli. also sought and was 
cheerfully granted the literary privileges he coveted. By means 
of the books thus accessible, he became tlie nuistei' of .■some forty 
languages. Among these l)ooks was one printed in Alto Br>'t>a, 
an obsolete dialect of France, unintelligible to the France of this 
generation — he mastered it, and after doing so, wrote a letter to 
T/ie Jioyal Societi/ of Antiquarie.s at Paris, in the dialect thus 
acquired. That letter was received with mu(;h surprise by the 
French savans, who, after wi'iting liim a complimentary reply, 
also wrote to their correspondents in this country making inquir- 
ies concerning their unknown correspondent. As a consequence, 
he was visited at his forge by prominent literary men. who found 
behind the leathern apron and back of the smut and smirch of 
the blacksmith shop — the most remarkable linguist of the worUl I 
He awoke one moi'ning and found himself famous ! as all the i)a- 
pers were teeming with the wonderful narrative of his visitors, 
concerning the results of their visitations. Worcester people 
were astonished — none of them had dreamed of the greatness of 
the modest and retiring laborer they saw wielding the hammer 
and beating the iron in the forge shop of William A. AVheeler ! 
He became known at once as "The Learnei:) BLAcivSMrni," and 
ver^- soon was called into literary work before the community. 
The Lj'ceum as an institution was just then beginning to furnish 
a platform for the expression of thought in the cities and towns 
of New England, and "The Learned Blacksmith" found many a 
place and many an opportunity to lecture during the following 
season. His lirst lecture had for its topic, "Genius," and the 
burthen of the ettbrt was to show that there was no such thing 
as genius, — that industr3-, — a persevering, determined purpose 
pursued in any direction, would achieve the ends supposed to 
be attendants of genius. In this lecture the results of his own 
efforts were attributed to his detei-mination to do, rather than to 
an}' natural gifts or tastes, which embodied, are called "genius." 
As a lecturer Mr. Burritt was never brilliant in the popular 
sense, but this lecture on "Genius" contained many moving and 



15 



<.'l(M|uent icissages. Foi' instaiKH'. while describing the bo^' 
cHinlting up the steep sides ol" the Natural Bridge in Virginia, 
tiiat he might write his name hig+ler than a.ny hud written before 
him, the j^ieture seemed so vividlv retil in the description, that 
the writei' of this expected every jnoment to see the boy fall 
iVoni his elevation dead upou the platform ! 

It was about this time he was sent a Danisli law paper, for 
translation, to be used in a law case at Portland, Me. Nobody 
had been found wlio could translate it, and it was sent to him 
with some misgivings, lie aceom})lished the task to the satis- 
faction of all concerned, and when asked his price for the work, 
which was invaluai)le to the parties, modestly charged them lor 
the time at the same rate as his pay at the forge. 

Ilis tirst venture as a pul)lisher, was the establishment of a 
monthly magazine, called ilw^Literari/ (rcjitiiice.'' It was print- 
ed in Fi'ench and English — one half its space devoted to each 
language — hence its name. It was published only a single year, 
because of insutlicient support. In fact he had to depend on his 
forge hammer for means to s(juare the printer's l)ill at the end 
of the year. 

His next venture was the i)ul)lication of a weekly paper, called 
{he '■'■(Vi ruffian Citizen,'" iu\ unsectarian, high-toned, reformatory 
and anti-slavery sheet, which became a success, reaching to a 
larger circulation than any other paper ever enjoyed in this local- 
it\'. Had he contentedly settled down to the work of publish- 
ing this sheet, there is no doubt but that the "67//;.^//" would 
have become one of the largest esta1)lislunents in the nation ; but 
he had iinbilx'd certain sentiments in regard to inu'rer.sal pcace^ 
and felt calle<l upon to go out into the world on this mission, 
leaving to others the conduct of his [)a[)er. The result was, as 
might have been exi)ected, that the paper, losing the prestige of 
his presence, l)egan to lose its circulation and inriuence, and was 
finally sold to parties in New York, and became the acquisition 
that gave prominence to what has since been known as the Nev*- 
Yorlv Independent. 

In his mission of peace Mr. Burrilt traveled extensively in 
Great Britain, ''•doing" the country from John O'Groat's to Land's 
End on foot, mingling with the connnon i)eoj)le ami sharing their 



16 

hospitality. His "Views on Foot," comprising a series of letters 
to the Citizen, were exceedingly popnlar. He remained in Eng- 
land some twenty or twenty-live years, during a part of the time 
filling the office of Consul at Birmingham. He was a member of 
the celebrated Peace Congresses at Belgium and Paris. "While in 
England he published many books and tracts on the subject of his 
mission of peace, as he had published several before leaving 
America. Since his return he has been quietly living at New 
Britain, and in an unostentatious way, doing something contin- 
uall}' for the benefit of his townsmen. He was a bachelor of the 
"■straightest sect," the purity of whose life was unquestioned. — 
He has said as a reason for his single life, "tliat he loved all ico- 
men too tvell to S(<tisfact'>rial>/ romiect himself to a single one i)t, 
the obligator}/ love of'niarriaye.'" 

"Were we to judge of Mr. Biu'ritt's life \)\ its early promise, we 
could hardly call it a success ; for where have we seen any 
great results from his aoiuisitions as a linguist ? And as regards 
his mission of peace, what are the results of his long and persist- 
ent labors? Seemingly nothing. And yet. shall we conclude 
such a life to be a failure — such accpiisititMis as a scholar — such a 
life as he lived in his unselfish work of i)eace? Will there not 
remain an intangible but powerful influence, which, though he is 
})ersonally gone, shall work out in the hidden future, the mighty 
results he hoped to achieve while living. Will not his work be 
recognized, in the finished completeness of God's design, as a 
helpful instrumentality in bringing about the great finality of 
"Peace on earth and good will to inan." 



Mr, E. H. Marble then gave us previously aiiiioiui- 
ced, his paper entitled "The Signet and the Ring," 
being a discussion of the use of signets and their 
subsequent combination with finger rings among the 
earlier races, with crayon illustrations from ancient 
relics of Egypt, Rome and other nations of antiquity. 



17 

The lecture was replete with historical information 
concerning the articles under consideration, and was 
listened to with interest and satisfaction. 

Rev. George Allen being present by invitation, 
Olive some interestinjj; reminiscences of the late 
Elihu Burritt. He also gave expression to the in- 
terest with which he had listened to the lecture giv- 
en by Mr. Marble, and also referred to the several 
recent donations to the Society. 

A Eegular meeting was held Tuesday evening, 
April 1st, at which eighteen members and several 
visitors were present. The Standing Committee on 
Nominations recommended for active membership 
Dr. John W. Brigham, of Sutton, Mass., and a ballot 
resulted in liis unanimous election. The Secretary 
read the following letter: — 

We.st Bkookfikld, ]Makch 24, 1879. 

Daniel Seagrave Esq.. 

Dear sir : — 

1 received, tSaturday, 
your note of the 22d inst. informing nic tliat 1 had been elected a 
Corresponding member of ''The Worcester Society of Antiquity," 
for which honor please convey to the Society my thanks. 

Whatever 1 can do for the Ijenetit of the Society Avill be cheer- 
fully done. 

Yours Respectfully. 

T. S. KXOWLTON. 

Mr. Crane ofiered an amendment to article IX. 
of the Constitution and By-Laws, providing that the 
A)niual Meetinir for the election of officers, and for 



18 

the transaction of other business, shall be held on the 
first Tuesday in December of each year, at which 
time the several annual reports from officers and 
departments shall be submitted to the Society ; pro- 
viding also that the newly elected officers shall not 
assume their official duties until the first Tuesday in 
the month of January following. This amendment 
was laid over until a future meeting for action, in 
accordance with Article XII. of the Constitution. 

Mr. S. E. Staples presented to the Society a box 
of shells, gathered several years since on the shores 
of the Dead Sea, by the late Rev. Horace James of 
this city. The Librarian's monthly report was read 
and accepted. 

Hon. Clark Jillson then read a paper entitled 
"Modified Plagiarism," in which he discussed the 
occasional claims to authorship, of productions very 
similar in language and style, by different persons. 
The illustrations of his subject were the two poems 
entitled "Over the River," one claimed by Miss Nan- 
cy A. W. Priest of Hinsdale, N. H., and first publish- 
ed in 1857 and the other published in 1855 as the 
work of Mira Lizzie Donelson of Northampton, who 
claimed the authorship of the first named. 

Rev. George Allen made interesting remarks up- 
on the subject of the pajjer. Mr. Stephen Salisbury, 
Jr., made remarks on the progress of the investiga- 
tion of the historic remains found in the Maya coun- 
try in Central America. 



19 

The regular meeting for the month of May was 
held Tuesday evening the 6th, at which there were 
sixteen members present. George Chandler M. D., 
and Mr. E. M. Barton Assistant Librarian of the 
American Antiquarian Society were also present, by 
invitation. Mr. Albert G. Mann was unanimously 
elected to active membership. The Secretary read 
a brief Historical Sketch of the old Foster street 
Depot, in Worcester, (demolished in 1877,) contrib- 
uted by Mr. Richard O'Flynn. The Librarian's re- 
port indicated large accessions to the library and 
nuiseum of the Society. Remarks were made by 
George Chandler M. D., Mr. E. M. Barton and Mr. 
Nathaniel Paine. Mr. Paine also read extracts from 
papers in relation to the Brinley Library and the 
sale of the same. 

On motion of Mr. Crane, it was voted that the 
Executive Connnittee be authorized to cause to be 
published the first volume of the "Early Records of 
tlie Town of Worcester." said volume to be number- 
ed V^I. of the i)ublications of the Society. 

Several amendments to the Constitution were of- 
fered hy Messrs. Lovell, Staples and Crane, and on 
motion of Mr. Lovell all proposed amendments to 
the Constitution were referred to a special committee 
to be aj^pointed b}^ the President. , The President 
appointed as that connnittee Messrs. Lovell, Crane 
and Staples; and on motion of Mr, Staples the Pres- 
ident and Secretary were added to the connnittee. 



20 

The next regular meeting was held Tuesday even- 
ing, June 3d, eighteen members being present ; also 
Mr. Joseph Lovell by invitation. Correspondence 
from Mr. C. H. J. Douglas of Providence, R. I., an 
associate member, was read bv the Secretary. 

Messrs. Augustus B. K. Sprague and Charles Wash- 
burne Clark, both of Worcester, were elected to ac- 
tive membership; George Chandler, M. D., of Wor- 
cester, to honorary membership ; and Mr. George F. 
Daniels of Oxford, to corresponding membership in 
the Society. 

The President in behalf of the committee appoint- 
ed to take into consideration sundry amendments to 
the Constitution, submitted a report of which the 
following is the substance : — 



Amend Article IV. Section o, bv striking out the words '"its 
books," at tire close of the first sentence, and insert in the place 
thereof, the words "■such as is otherwise provided for." 

Amend Article IV. Section 4, by striking out the word ''and" 
in the second line, and inserting after the word pamphlets in the 
same line the words "relics, coins, medals, engravings and other 
collections ;" also by striking out the words "of relics belonging 
to the Society' ;" also by inserting the word "the" at the end of 
the fifth line. 

Amend Article V., Section 1, b}- striking out the last two 
lines. 

Amend Article IX., Section 1, by striking out the word "for" 
after the word "and" in the first line ; also by striking out the 
word "January" and inserting in the place thereof, the word 
"December" in the third line ; also, bj' inserting after the word 
"year" in the third line, the following words ; "at which time the 
several annual reports from officers and departments shall be 
submitted to the Society. The newly elected officers shall not, 
however, assume their ollicial duties until the first Tuesday in 
the month of January following ;" also bj^ striking out the words 
"July and" in the fifth line. 



21 

Amend Article XL, Section M, Ity striking out the word "from" 
in tiie tirst line, and inserting in the place thereof, the word "for ;" 
also, by inserting the word *'acT:ive" before the word "members" 
in the fifth line. 

Amend Article XIII.. ]»y striking out the words "passage and" 
in the lirst line. 

The Constitution when amended in accordance with this re- 
port will read as follows : — 



C O N S T I T U T ION 



articlp: I. 

NAME. 

This Society shall be called The Worcester Society of 
Antiquity. 

ARTICLE IL 

OBJECT. 

The ijur[)oses of this Society shall be : 

1 . To cultivate and encourage among its members a love and 
ailmiration for anti(iuarian research and archivological science ; 
and, so far as possible, to rescue from oblivion any historical 
matter that might otherwise be lost. 

2. The collection and [ireservalion of antique relics of every 
description, 

AirncLE II L 

OFFICEIIS. 

The ollicers of this Society shall consist of a President, two 
Vice Presidents, Secretary, Treasurer and Librarian. Eacli ol)i- 
cer shall be elected l»y ballot, and only one oflieer shall be ballot- 
ed for at the same time. A majority ol'the balhjts shall \>v sulii- 
cient to elect. They shall hold ollice for the term of one yetir, 
and until their successors are chosen. 



22 

ARTICLE IV. 
DUTIES OF OFFICERS. 

1. President . It shall bo the duty of the President to {jreside 
at all meetings, when i)resent. In his ai)senee the First ^^iee 
President shall preside ; in the absenee of tlse latter, the Second 
Vice President shall preside.; and in the absence of all three, a 
President ^>rr> teiii. shall be chosen. 

2. ^Secretarii. It sliall be the duty of the Secretary to keep a 
record of all meetings of the Society in a book provided for that 
purpose ; to issue all notices of meetings, with the time and })lace 
of same ; to conduct the general correspondence of the Society ; 
shall notify all persons of their election as members of the Soci- 
ety ; shall notily all members elected to ottice who were not pres- 

' ent at the time of their election, within ten days thereafter ; and 
at the expiration of his term of oiiice sliall turn over to his suc- 
cessor all books and papers in his possession belonging to the 
Societ}-. 

3. Treasurer. The Treasurer shall be sole custodian of the 
funds of the Society, and of all property or titles to property, 
real or personal, belonging to the Society, except such as is other- 
wise provided for. He shall assess and collect all dues and taxes 
voted by the Society, recei-\'e any legacies bequeathed or dona- 
tions made to its funds ; shall disburse the moneys so received 
and collected, on a written <jrder signed b>' the President and 
Secretary, but not otherwise. He shall keep in a book provided 
for the purpose a true account of all receipts and disl)ursements ; 
shall submit the same to the inspection of any member when the 
request is made ; shall submit in writing a report of all his re- 
ceipts and disbursements for the year, and exhibit his vouchers 
for the same at each annual meeting ; shall furnish a bond for 
the faithful discharge of his duties, whenever the Societ}', h\ a 
vote, ma}' so direct ; and shall, at the expiration of his term of 
office, place in the hands of his successor all books papers antl 
other propert}' in his possession belonging to the Society. 

4. Librarian. The Librarian shall be the sole custodian ol" 
books, pamphlets, relics, coins, medals, engravings and other 
collections belonging to the Society ; shall catalogue the same in 



23 



;i book kept foi' the i)uriH).sc ; sliall liavt' ihe care ol" the entire 
collection, toj^etlier with the I'ooru i" whicli they are kept, und 
sliall report the (-(^ndition of tlie same^ ^t each aannal meeting. 

Airnt'LE V. 

COMMITTEES. 

1 . The President. First and Second Vice Presidents, Secretary 
and Treasurer shall constitute a committee of live, to be known 
as the Executive committee, who shall have in charge the general 
interest of the Society ; shall prepare for press and have the care- 
of all publications of the Society, unless by a vote the Society' see 
lit. when desirable, to elect a special committee for that purpose ; 
may prepare and present business ; ma}' solicit and secure, Avhen 
l)racticable, donations to the Society's funds, or collections ; shall 
see that the orders of. the Society are promptly carried out, and 
that the provisions of this Constitution are studiously maintained. 

2. This Society shall, at its annual meeting in Jaiuuirv, 1<S77, 
elect by ballot three persons — one to serve for one 3'ear. one for 
two years, and one for three years — and one for three years at 
each annual meeting succeeding — who shall be called the Stand- 
ing Committee on Nominations. It shall be their duty to exam- 
ine the (pialitications of ever}- person proposed for membership, 
and to put in nomination such persons as they in their judgment 
think will promote the interests of the Society. Other Commit- 
tees may be chosen, as occasion requires, but all committees shall 
re[)ort theii- doings in writing. 

ARTICLE VI. 
MEMBERS. 

1 . The name and qualiiications for membership of any person 
of good moral character, having an interest in the objects of this 
Society, may be presented at any meeting thereof and referred 
U) the Standing Committee on Nominations ; and such person 
may, at the next regular meeting, on nomination by said com- 
mittee, be elected by a two-thirds ballot of those present. I>ut 
no person shall be considered a member (jf this Society until he 
has signed the Constitution and paid into the Treasury the sum 
(jf two dollars. 



24 

ARTICLE VII. 
HONORARY AND CORRESPONDING MEMBERS. 

Honorary and Corresponding members may be jjroposed and 
elected in the same manner as prescribed for active members ; 
but corresponding members shall not be residents of the cit}- of 
Worcester. 

ARTICLE VIII. 

DUTIES OF MEMBERS. 

It shall be the duty of each memljer to till any ottice or perform 
any service to which he ma}' be elected or ai)pointed ; to endeav- 
or to secure for the Society whatever he can that will add to the 
number or value of its collections ; to bring it to the knowledge 
and consideration of persons of similar tastes and ])ursuits ; to 
propose for membership such persons as are known to be inter- 
ested in its work. 

2. It shall be the duty of Honorary and (Corresponding mem- 
bers to endeavor to secure articles for its collection, and to iutei'- 
est themselves for its honor and prosperity. Honorary members 
are expected to correspond with the Societv at least once a ^ear ; 
Corresponding members, twice a year, and both Honorary and 
Corresponding members shall be entitled to all the privileges of 
active members, except the right to vote or hold office, and shall 
be exempt from the admission fee and all assessments. 

ARTICLE IX. 

MEETINGS. 

The annual meeting for the election of officers and the trans- 
action of other business, shall be held on tlie first Tuesday in 
December of each year, at which time the se\eral annual reports 
from officers and departments shall be submitted to the Societ}'. 
The newl}' elected officers shall not, however, assume their offi- 
cial duties until the first Tiiesda}' in the month of January follow- 
ing. The other regular meetings shall be held on the first Tues- 
da}' of each of the remaining months in the year, excepting Au- 
gust. Special meetings may be called by the President, or upon 
the written request of an}- three members of the Societ}'. Five 
members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. 



25 

ARTICLE X. 

ASSESSMENTS AX4) DISBURSEMENTS. 

1. Tax. Tlu' Society may at any ^regular meeting, by a vote, 
assess a tax upon its members, not exceeding one dollar per rap- 
itd ; but at an^- annual meeting the Society may assess such sum 
as may be needed for carrying on the atfairs of the Society. 

2. Life Mem hers/lip. Any member who shall at any one time 
pay into the treasury the sum of twenty-five dollars shall ])e a life 
member, and shall thereafter be exempt from all assessments. 

'A. Cl((iins. All claims against the Society shall be approved 
by the member contracting the same, and })aid by the Treasurer, 
on a written order signed bv the President and Secretary. 

AirncLK XI. 

FAILURES, WITHDRAWALS, EXPULSIONS. 

1 . Anj- member who for two consecutive years shall fail to pay 
any assessment made in accordance with the provisions of this 
Constitution, and shall give no satisfactory reason therefor, shall 
cease to be a member of the Society, and the Treasurer shall 
notify the Secretary, who shall make record of the fact. 

Wi'tiidrairal.s. Any meml)er may withdraw from tlie Society 
by giving notice of his intention to the Secretary and paying all 
assessments due at the time of giving such notice, and tlie Sec- 
retary shall make record of the tact. 

8. Ex/nil.<tioits. Any memlter may, for any lireach of trust or 
malfeasance in office, or for any other cause, be expelled fnjm 
the Society by a vote of two-thirds of those present at anv reg- 
ulai- meeting ; Frorided. that the number present shall not be 
less than a majority of the whole number of active membei's. — 
l>ut no member shall be expelled from the Society without first 
liaving an opportunity to explain his case at some regular meeting. 

AKTICLK XII. 

AMENDMENTS. 

Alterations or amendments to the Constitution may be made 
at any regular meeting, by a two-thirds vote ; pmcideO. that a 



26 

notice of the proposed change has been given in writing at some 
previous meeting. 

ARTICLE XIII. 

On the adoption of the foregoing Constitution, all other articles 
previousl}' used for the government of this Societ}- are hereby 
repealed, 

We hereby recommend the adoption of the foregoing Consti- 
tution, with the amendments herein set forth. 

CLARK JILLSON, 
A. A. LOVELL, 
E. B. CRANE. 
S. E. STAPLES. 
DANIEL SEAGRAVE. 



On motion of F. P. Rice, the report of the coni- 
mitte was accepted, and the Constitution adopted. 

Mr. Crane in behalf of tb.e lecture committee made 
a report, and on motion it was voted that the funds 
in the hands of the connnittee be paid into the Tieas- 
urj of the Societj^ The President then introduced 
Mr. E. F. Thompson, who entertained the members 
very agreeably for an hour, by reading selections 
from popular authors. 

The next regular meeting was held Tuesday e\'e- 
ning, July 1st., at which there Avere seventeen mem- 
bers and visitors present. In the absence of the Li- 
brarian, Mr. A. A. Lovell, who was attending the 
meeting of the American Library Association in Bos- 
ton, Mr. E. B. Crane made a report of numerous 
books and articles received during the month of 
June. William T. Harlow Esq. and Mr Charles 
F. Washburn, both of Worcester, were unanimously 



27 

elected active members of the Society. The follow- 
iiiL!f letters were read bv the Secretary: — 

WouOESTEU, Mass. June 11, 187!). 
My dear sir : — 

I feel imieli jjleiised and honored by niv election 
as an lionorary member of The Worcester Societ}' of Antiquity, 
which your official letter of the 9th instant gives me, and I herel)}' 
thank the members of the .Society' for the honor and pri^■ileges 
thus conferred on me. 

Your very grateful servant, 

GEORGE CHANDLER. 
To Daniel Seagrave, Esq., Secretary of The Worcester Society 
of Antifjuity. 

Oxford, July 1, 1871). 

Daniel Seagrave Esq., Secretai'v of 

The Woi'cestcr Society of Antiquity. 
My dear sir: — Your note of the !»tli ult., informing me of 
the action of the honored Society whicli you represent, in electing 
myself as one of its corresponding members, came duly to hand. 
I leturn to the members thereof my sincere thanks for the honor 
thus conferred. Being in sympathy with them in the pursuit of 
the ends for which the Society was organized, I shall attempt to 
do cheerfully what little 1 may to advance its interests. With 
best wishes for the prosjK'rity ami success of the institution. 
I am very truly yours, 

GEO. E. DANIELS. 

IVoi". F. G. Sanborn, ol'Andover, and Mr. Thomas 
A. Dickinson, Superintendent ot" the Cabinet of the 
Worcester Lyceum and Natural History Society, 
wore present and favored the Society with some 
very interesting remarks. Quincy Bicknell Esq., of 



28 

Hingham, Mass., made exte)ided and interesting re- 
marks on the subject of Local History, Genealogy 
&c., in which many important facts were presented 
that have been omitted in such works. On motion 
of Mr. Crane it was voted that a committee of tin-ee 
be appointed by the President to consider the expe- 
diency of publishing the Proceedings of the Society 
for the current year. The President appointed as 
that committee Messrs. Crane, Lovell and Staples. 

Mr. Charles R. Johnson offered the following as 
an amendment to the Constitution : — 

''But members may be transferred from the active list to the 
corresponding list, and vice versa, by a two thirds vote of the 
members present at an}- regular meeting of the Society." 

The first regular meeting follownig the sunnner 
vacation was held Tuesday evening, September 2, at 
which there was a good attendance. The Standing 
Committee on Nominations made a report nomina- 
ting Mr. Albert Tolman of Worcester for active 
membership, and a ballot resulted in his unanimous 
election. Mr. Crane, in behalf of the connnittee 
appointed to consider the expediency of publishing 
the Proceedings of the Society for the current year, 
made a report recommending such publication. 

The subject of a course of Lectures or Entertain- 
ments was brought before the Society, and the mat- 
ter was referred to the Executive Connnittee to I'e- 
port at a future meeting. The Librarian read liis 
report for the months of July and August, showing 



29 

that 207 l)ound volames, many pamphlets, and vari- 
ous relics liad been donatedJ:o the Society. Interest- 
ing remarks were made by Kev. George Allen and 
Mr. 11. M. Smith. 

An adjourned meeting of the Society was held 
Tuesday evening, Sept. 9, but no quorum of the 
members being pi'esent, no business was transacted. 

The next meeting was held Tuesday evening, Oct. 
7th, at whicii tliere were twenty-nine members and 
visitors present. Mr. Harvey B. Wilder of Worces- 
ter was elected .m active member, and Quincy Bick- 
nell Es(j., oi" Hingham, Mass., a corresponding mem- 
ber of tlie Society. A letter from Stephen Salisbury 
Jr. Esip enclosing a check for $110,00 for the pay- 
ment of the Society's indebtedness — a substantial 
contributiou — was read by Mr. Dodge, and on mo- 
tion of Mr. Crane the thanks of the Society -were 
extended to Mr. Salisbury for his substantial dona- 
tion. Bv invitation Mr. Georo'e F. Daniels of Ox- 
ford read extensive extracts from his '"Huguenots in 
the Nipmnck Country," now in press, which was 
listened to with interested and undivided attention. 

On motion of Mr Paine it was voted that the 
thanks of the Society be extended to Mr. Daniels, 
for his v(;ry interesting liistorical sketches read 
this eveuing. The Librarian's monthly report was 
read showing numerous contributions to the Library 
and Cabinet. The President called -the attention of 
the meeting to number VI. of the Publications of the 
Society, whicli had just been issued, \i'/.: Early 



30 

Records of the Town of Worcester, Book I., 1722- 
1739, being the first of a series which the Society 
propose to publish. Interesting and coMgratuhitory 
remarks were made by Revs. George Allen and Hen- 
ry Blanchard, and Messrs. Washburn, Paine, Spra- 
gne, Harlow and others. 

The regular meeting for the month of November 
was held on the evening of the 4th, at the rt)oms of 
the Society. The day being that of the annual State 
election the attendance w<is small. A letter was 
read by the Secretary from Quincy Bicknell Esi^., of 
Hingham, in acknowledgment of his election to Cor- 
responding membership. On motion it was voted to 
adjourn for one week. 

A meeting was held according to adjournment on 
Tuesday evening November 11th, at which there 
were twenty-five members and visitors present. 

Charles A. Chase Es(j., Mr. Henry H. Chambei lin, 
Rev. George Whitefield Philli})s and Burton W. 
Potter Esq., all of Worcester, were elected active 
members, and Charles C. Baldwin of Cleveland, Ohio, 
George Sheldon of Deerfield, Mass., Henry B. Davv- 
son of Morrisania, New York City, and C. H. Rogers 
of Plymouth, Mass., were elected corresponding 
members of tlie Society. On nK^tion of Mr. Saninel 
E. Staples it was voted tliat Mr. Franklin P. Rice be 
authorized to edit and publish for the Society the 
second volume of the records of Worcester, the same 
to be entitled "Early Records of the Town of Wor- 
cester," and to be numbered VIIL of the Publications 



31 

of the Society. The Librarian presented the follow- 
ing letter: — 

.■),") Madison Avkm k. 

Nkw Yokk, Oct. !», I.s71» 
llii' Wurcei^tvr ISocicin of ^liiliqdltji. 

No. XL of the publications 
ofvour Society is received, I'or wliicli I tender you my thanks. 
'I'his is another evidence of the activity of 3-our members in pro- 
iuotinu," tlie dechired object ofvour institution. 

The execution of this tirst numl)er of tiie "Early Kccords of 
the Town of Worcester" is in style and manner all that could be 
tlesired ; and it is a labor that should l)e adopted by all of the 
ol<l towns in New England, ns in many instances these early 
manuscript records are in a damaged and fragmentar}- condition, 
and liable at any tinit' to entire destructicni. 

No tow'u history ever gives the minute details as you have done, 
that insures beyond disaster the complete i)erpetuity of such rec- 
ords. S(;veral of our States have [)ut in printed form their early 
colonial records, but so far as my recollection now serves me, 
tills is the lirst printing of town records ; l)ut some t(jwns have 
made careful written copies of their early records, which is so far 
connnendable, yet as disastrous lires are still liable for the de- 
struction of a single copy, when by jjrinting as you have done, 
multii)lyiiig, as 1 notice you state '22i) co[)ies, it places the safety 
beyond c(jntingenc3'. It is to be hoped that this valuable and 
praiseworthy examjile will be the means <^f stimulating many of 
our ancient towns to follow in tliis tlirection. 

I remain. 

^\ ith great respect, 

\'erv truly, 

HOLMES AMMIDOV.N. 



82 

By invitation Henry M. Smith Esq. read a mcjst 
interesting paper entitled ''\Yestern Reminiscences." 
Having enjoyed peculiar opportunities tor observing 
the West in its social, political and material develop- 
ment, his paper was most instructive, and connnanded 
the earnest attention of all present. The paper is 
here given in full. 

AVESTEKN REMINISCENCES. 



Some weeks ago, on siiggostioii of one of the u(!k-ers of our 
Societ}', my theme came to my mind with little previous thought, 
and has since almost startled me with what it may seem to pledge 
and actually disa[)point, ISIy Reminiscences of the West on this 
occasion deal witli men and atfairs that have already- passed into 
permanent history. What can 1 add to pages oi- portraiture al- 
ready rich and elaborate ? The author of one of the early his- 
tories of the State of Illinois, commences his first chapter with 
the story of xidam, the lirst fatlier of mankind. I hope I shall 
not too closely imitate his ])ackward far-reaching if as a preface 
I sa}- something of the spi-ings and helps of growth that created 
the West I found twenty-eight years ago, Avhen I entered into 
journalism in Chicago. 

It was at the close of a remarkable epoch in our publi'j aMairs. 
The three great rivals and leatleivs of opinion, Clay, AVebster and 
Calhoun, were just retiring from the stage. New party lines and 
new channels of public policy were being opened. We were en- 
tering upon the great era of realized natural development and 
extension. Theories and policies that had l)een rife for a genera- 
tion were fast bearing fruit. In our admiration for the courage 
and enterprise of the men of the era of actual material progres- 
sion, we sometimes fall short of doing justice to the men of the 
preceding age and their devotion and zeal in theories wliidi in 
their own time seemed only theories. But these cradled the en- 
terprise that created our systems of communication and builded 



our trade ccnlivs. 3Iiu'h of \hv (Mitcipi-ise lliat \vrou£>ht iiuiterial 
results wns imitative and euiuulative. made i)o.ssil)l(! heeause otli- 
ers had led the way. helixMl i()r\vj,ird liy what others were doing 
or had done. 

Thert' was grea't activity in Raihoml huilding in tiie two (U'- 
eades tbllowiuL; is.M). nnd that era will receive the hirgest share 
of the honor. Iiut mncli lielongs to the propliets and apostles of 
the new dispensation of the Railway who were nexcr blessed by 
its full appearing. Avho i)re[)ared the way for it, urged it and suf- 
fered ol)li(iuy in its behalf. The Pacific Railway, suggested in 
islC. was old as a national project and soli<| as an American 
idea when in May, ISdl). the spike was driven to hold the last 
rail on the transcontinental line. \\ lieu, in the period following 
his failure. .lay Cooke and his hel[)ers were soundly belabored for 
the grandilo(|iient i)aragraphs that brought the Northern Pacitic 
route into notice, I could but remember how twenty years earlier 
than .lay Cooke's railway schemes the marvels of the Saskatche- 
wan and Red River country of the North were themes of earnest 
and able writers, notably among them Hon. 'Jacob M. Howard of 
Detroit, and .)ohn L. Scrii)i>s one of the founders of the Chicago 
'/'/•//>"//c. We used to print whole columns in supi)ort of their 
glowing ideas of the extension of our best empire into a North- 
western Paradise pushed far towai'd the frozen zone. 

I found the Illnois and Michigan Canal in l-S.")! a finished and 
waning lact. it had done its work and was giving place to the 
railroads, lint in this very canal project who were the pluckiest, 
and whose utterances indicate more far-reaching wisdom and 
progressiveness. the actual luiilders who pushed it to completion 
with the growth of th;' \\'est intensely active at its terminal 
points, and throughout the section it o[)ened to trade, or those 
other men who scored a canal route on the map of a wildei'uess 
as a necessity and a destiny? Niles of Paltimore deserves a 
monument, were it possil)le for him to have a nobler one than 
the tall i)ile of his XhHoihiI Rcijisler-^. 

In 1S14. in the darkest and hottest hours of the war with Eng- 
land, in the same issue which reports the Battle of Chippewa, 
and the same volume which relates the cai)ture of Washington 



u 

City, with tlic offit^-c tbive of the Reirister reduced to Niles him- 
self and a small hoy, hv the demands of military service for the 
defense of Baltimore, this man has the wisdom and tlie courajie 
to pen a paragraph like this : — 

••The Illinois Territory contains .')(), 000 square miles : popula- 
tion in I.SIO only 12, '282 and now rapidly increasing-. The inte- 
rior is little knt)\vn. a small part only having been purchased of 
the Indians. By the Illinois River it is probable that Builalo in 
New York may be united with New Orleans by inland inivigation 
through lakes Erie, Huron and INIichigan, and down the Illinois 
and Mississippi rivers. What a route! How stupendious the 
idea! How dwindles the importance of the artilicial canals of 
Europe compared with this water communication ! If it should 
ever take place, and it is said the opening can be easily made, thf 
territory will become tlie seat of an immense connnerce and a 
market for the connnodities of all regions."* 

These were brave worls and wise forecast for Ga years ago. 
But the air and the chronicles in that brave generation were full 
of such prophecy. *In the twenty-five years preceding my first 
Western journey in I'S.'d. and in the earliest decade of that 
period, the whole theory of the national necessity of the develoj)- 
ment of our internal communications had been established as an 
American idea. The projects were numerous, bold and far- 
reaching, involving the credit of States as well as individuals. 

A turnpike from Maine to Louisiana, as a national measure, 
was a matter for a Senate report in 1817. In the great canal 
building era, a canal from Boston to Albany was a well digested 
scheme in our own state, only kept from realization by the pres- 
sing forward of measures for wiuit has l)ecome the Boston and 
Albany railroad. The formal and elaborate report of John C. 
Calhoun, Secretary of War. to Henry Clay, Speaker of the House 
of Representatives, is a document 60 years old. You may find 
it in Xiles' IGth A-olume, (1819) a document full and earnest in 
its advocacy of great internal schemes of development as a na- 
tional obligation and duty. Such teachings bore fruit, and it is 
to such teachings I love to look back in contemplating the 

• Xiles' Reg., Oct., 1814. 



35 



wonderful growth of the West. The zeal and courage of the 
Inisiness age that fed and grew on these precepts was intense. 

I'hilosophers of our day discussing our own recent speculative 
era, on tiie sluidv and repentant ijide-ef which we have been sit- 
ting f<jr the past few seasons, are intensely severe on our mod- 
ern folly. Dut they cannot wisely and well advise us to be 
taught by our fathers in this matter. 

There is nothing new under the sun, not even fuit monev. — 
In l<sr.» the legislature of the new state of Illinois authorized the 
establishment of a bank with four million dollars capital ; two 
millions to be sul)scril)ed in behalf of the State, the Governor to 
be President of the bank ; and inasmuch as there might be some 
dilliculty in getting the people in the new state to put down their 
siiare of tlie amou)it, it was considerately pro\ided that the bank 
should go into operation when SI-'kOOO or-„j,g-of the capital should 
l)e paid in.* 

It has happened before as it will happen again, that each tidal 
wave of our progress has receded to leave a beach strewn with 
wrecks and stranded craft. ]\Iy life in the West began while the 
great era of speculation, ptinic and depression, in this first great 
impulse for national development was still fresh in the minds of 
living business men. 

When I went to Chicago in l-S.')!. and liy mv profession was 
brought somewhat widely into some knowledge of Western com- 
munities, there were still living a class of public men of prom- 
inence, none more closely ideutilied willi tiu! history of their im- 
me(hate neighborhoods than any coming after them can l)e, 

Lewis Cass at Detroit growing old and grown rich and intluen- 
lial in a wealthy city that had sprung up in the fields where he 
broke his sword across a stump in Hull's surrender; l^enton at 
St. Louis, and ex-governors, judicial magnates and military he- 
n<es not a W^w. were in honor or ariiiience drawing near the end 
of their careers in localities where they endured hardshi}j as pi- 
oneers. Chicago was full of representatives of her early day, 
and these men were full of stirring reminiscences. Citizens were 
there who saw Chicago a forlcjrn prairie settlement, and had 



« Xiles' Reg., May, 1819. 



3G 



themselves looked out anxiously from the block house of Fort 
Deurltorn in tlie Black Hawk war, men whose lives held the 
whole histor}' of their communities. 

The journey from Massachusetts to Illinois twenty-eight years 
ago still retained as an important link the great steamltoat lines 
of the lakes, though several railway lines were even then pressing 
forward t(^ destroy lake travel. Tlie lake steaml)oats made a 
gallant struggle with the extending railway system of Canada 
and the States, and as late as l.sr}4 costly and immense steamers 
were brought out on lake Erie to continue for a season or two 
longer — a losing battle with the inevitable. 

The early system or military roads and national i)il<es. the ex- 
tended surveys for canals that engagetl the attention of our fath- 
ers was an admirable jtrepariug of the way for the railroatl. The 
Michigan Central raili'oad was carried aci-oss ^Michigan on the 
great military road. The line when I passed over it in l-S.")!, 
had in many })laces its llrst outlit of strap rails. 1 found railway 
building everywhere active, and even in the wilderness regions 
strangely helped or hampered by the clinging cobwebs of railway 
legislation, the legacy of the early development era to which 1 
have referred, the era of great expectations that were sadly 
ended when Andrew Jackson took the resi)onsibility and the 
ri[)ened crash of l.S.'iT befet. 

The Illinois legislature in \s:\C, created thirty-seven railroad 
Charters, all local. Indiania and Ohio were (juite as liberal. — 
These states were gridironed with hazy franchises and half-built 
lines over which the actu'al railway builders in I.s")l went stumb- 
ling and scjuabbling. building the stray and starveling enterprise 
into their own schemes, or hi^lding its charter against their rivals. 

No railway had reached Chicago from the East when I found 
it iu l<sr>l a city of 8H,U()U inhabitants, Hat on its native prairie, 
for grade-raising had not begun. Street paving was unknown. 
The few princi[)al streets were covered with oak plank. The 
mud of the uni)rotected street surface was bottomless. The first 
City Hall and County building had just been linished of blue lime- 
stone from Lockport, New York, it having been decided that 
the vicinit}' of Chicago gave no suitable building stone. The 
vast stores of the choicest of limestone underlving the innuediate 



o< 



region waited to be discovered a tew seasons later. Tlie old block 
house of garrison times was still standing, and the strnctnres and 
palisades ol" Fort Dearborn were^kei)t in an exasperating state 
oi" whitewash by the military relic coyunanding. In all parts of 
the city sto(->d the hiniible andancient frame strnctnres of the 
earlv day. C'hicago then and through laler yeai's had nuwise 
thrift in saving these old frame l»aildings, to be moved and re- 
moved before the march of building improvements until the late- 
ful night in Oct., bSTl, found se\eral lumdred olti structures as 
dry as tinder ci)mpactly massed ou li\e or six s(juares in the 
heart of the city. The world kncjws what happened. Many a 
tall factory has been destroye<l by its own waste heap. In l^ol 
the prairie tires used to lick their hungry way across the prairies 
and glare at the extending suburbs. The time came when it 
seemed as if these long checked prairie fires lu'oke across our 
city like angry wolves, made mad by rejjression. 

At times stray Indians from the far west, or some Pottawat- 
omie still living on a near I'eservatiou, woukl stroll through our 
streets and exchange salutations with older resitlents who remem- 
bered the Indian payments at C'hicago, the mad revels and 
showers of silver dollai's that characterized these occasions. — 
There was only one railroad entering the city, the old (ilalena. 
the parent stem of the Chicago and Northwesteiii, now a thous- 
and miles of branches from the little stalk that lost itself in an 
hour's run on the on the prairie westward in LSol, 

This was the Chicago of twenty-eight years ago ; but yon 
could put your ear to the prairie and hear the tread of coming- 
thousands and the click of the railroad builder's hammei' and the 
rattle of iron I'ails as they fell into the lines uf the railroads ap- 
proaching from all directions. While at that time most of the 
centres of trade and smaller cities and the communities interme- 
diate were bonding themselves into poverty to gain iaihvay l>ene- 
lits, Chicago at the head of the lake sat with her apron spread 
for voluntary and abounding tribute. Not one ilollar has Chicago 
iuvesteii of iimuicij)al funds in any railroad scheme. In l.S.')l 
.she was full of life and growth. .She was full of Nev,- England 
men, and they poured through Chicago to new regions beyond to 
till Iowa and Minnesota. This inllux into Chicago and the West. 



:;s 



in the dcfade following I80I. continued what had already begun 
the strong prepcjuderance <jf the New England elenient in the 
West. 'In Chicago we attempted tor a while to hold vitality and 
meaning in a New England Society, and reverently (jliserved the 
2'2n(l of Ueceniher, hut it came to resemble an attemjit to call 
the roll of the sons of New England in this heart of the Com- 
monwealth. There were too many of us, and of native lUinois- 
ians too few. I remember that for some years we had one born 
native of a suitable age for late suppers, who injuriously to him- 
self carried for a while sole and alone the annual duty of respond- 
ing as a son of Illinois. 

But the time came, friends, when this aggregation and consol- 
idation of the New England S|)irit beyond the lakes had national 
importance. There was an hour in the great revolt when among 
the murmurs and threats of secession and partition of states, 
speakers and writers in the interest of the rel»el scheme raised 
their voices against New England, and o[)enly discussed leaving 
New England out in the cold. The New England life in the 
West laughed the suggestion to scorn. If the earliest campaigns 
of Western troops beyond the Alleganies were brilliant and vivid, 
it was because New England born men in the West followed the 
flag or led the wa}'. 

Journalism in Chicago in the decade following IS;")! was not an 
easy task. It was applying measurements and estimates to con- 
tinually expanding dimensions. Growth was continually laugh- 
ing at augury, and fact moved so steadily ahead of forecast that 
the journalist one day chargeil with extravagance stood presently 
shame-faced at his inadequacy. 

In 1851 Illinois and Chicago were intensely Democratic, with 
a strong and earnest Whig element in State and city atlairs. — 
We had among us many Kentuckians, friends and admirers of 
Heniy Clay. Our New Englanders revered Daniel Webster, and 
not a few remembered with enthusiasm his actual presence in Chi- 
cago. In the last of June, 1837, the prairie village witnessed an 
unusual stir which for a few hours roused the community out of 
its doleful dumps at the fresh collapse of all their alfairs. Every 
citizen who could beg or borrow a steed, (said my informant, 
"hiring was out of the question in our ruined community," ) went 



39 



in imposing cavalcade to the banks of the Desplaines river, eleven 
miles IVoni Chicago, and out of the Southwest arose the vision of 
a barouche drawn 1)\- four cream-colored steeds bearing in im- 
posing state, Daniel Webster, in the care and conduct of H. L. 
Kinney, a dashing Illinois and Jilichigan canal contractor of the 
period. Kinney was then constructing the canal basin at Peru, 
whence he brought to Chicago Mr. Webster, and with him his 
(laughter. Mrs. Ap[»leton. and his son Fletcher. Tlie enthusiasm 
of the hour was immense. The scramble for places in the pro- 
cession and for oi)portunities to see and hear was wild when the 
the march ended under the Hag on Major Sibley's Garrison gro- 
und, where Mr. Webster made a set speech. The procession 
iiad passed, on .South Water Street, the otlice of the Chicago 
Democrat. Its editor, .b)hn AVentworth. an extremely tall New 
Hampshire youth, a disciple of Isaac Hill, was not to be in the 
least moved to awe at the New Hampshire Whig, on his travels. 
It is historical that on the l)reezv parade ground the editor's high 
perched hat lilew olf and gave premature circulation, in man- 
uscript, to Wentworth's terrifflc forthcoming editorial onslaught 
on the great Whig statesman. Twenty 3ears after I saw one of 
these stray lea\es picked up on that day and preserved by a 
Chicago Whig. But the Chicago WeckJ;! Democrat did not suf- 
fer for the nuitilated editorial, for Wentworth had plenty more 
where that came from. Daniel Weltster in the Chicago of that 
day was on the defensive. It was Idtterly charged that he had 
taken a position unfriendly to settlers on unsurveved public land. 
As that was precisely the position of not a few of any average 
prairie audience of that jieriod there was occasion for what Mr. 
Wei)ster gave them, a stormy harangue on the rights and im- 
miuiities of pioneer settlers. The remainder of the speech was 
good sound Whig doctrine of tlie period, with special stress on 
River and Harbor im[)rovements, tlie inchoate and ragged bayou 
mouth at tiie speaker's feet hapijily ilhistrating the argument. 

Mr. Welister's reception in tlie West was a magniticent ova- 
tion, the most striking that had ever been paid to a public man 
ill the West. He was delighted with the prairies, and falling in 
with the cutrcnt of the time, liought a large tract of laud near the 
State Capitol, laid out the new town of Salisl)ur\' after his New 



[il 



I 



Hampshire birth-place, and Salisbury is still a pust town of San- 
gamon count}-. Mr. Webster's visit to the West bore fruit the 
following winter in his advocacy of the measure which he sup- 
ported against Mr. Clay and his own colleague, Mr. Davis, giv- 
ing privilege of preemption to all actual settlers fi^und on pnl)lic 
land at the time of the survey. The splendid reception of the 
great statesman at Louisville. St. Louis and throughout Lidiana. 
Illinois, Ohio and Iventuckv. uuiy also have l)orne fruit in hopes 
that withered to ashes in his grasp, and darkeneil his last days. 

In 1851 Stephen A. Douglas was our Senator in Congress. — 
His small sturdy tigure carried his grand head scarcely as high 
as AVentworth's shoulders, but in the estimate of Douglas none 
might bring statue into the account. Who ever tlunight a lion 
too short of limb? Douglas was often in Chicago. His arrival 
at the Tremont House was always a rare sight to v;itness. He 
seemed to move about in a light reliected from the faces of his 
admirers. It was a wonderful thing to l)e near him on some 
occasion of popular gathering where I have seen great sun-burned 
fellows stand and watch the Little Giant with shining eyes and 
an unconscious nervous play of the fingers as if they wei'e work- 
ing otf their good will by a perpetual hand shaking with their hero. 
He made friends magnetically and held them powerfully. He 
remembered faces, places and dates, and would readily and ac- 
curately keep for each new acquaintance his own associations. 
Thus to be remembered by him was to hold his partizans to him 
with hooks of steel. It flatters all men to be thus carried in a 
great man's mind. 

With Douglas will always be associated Abraham Lincoln. — 
They were distinguished at the same bar, and in early State coun- 
cils. They were continually antagonized on AVhig and Dem- 
ocratic doctrines. When these differences grew through new 
issues into the Slavery contest, by the opportunities of a local 
canvass, they became champions, whose tournaments on the 
prairies the whole nation looked upon, and brought thence watch- 
words to be used throughout the struggle of that era. 

Comparing Douglas to Lincoln is onl}- fairh' to be done by 
limiting the contrast to their da3-s of direct and oijen rivalry-. 
I had always marvelled at the strength and power of Steijhen A. 



41 



Douglas, aiul his inllueiife among the masses. Much as he ac- 
(■(^nipUshfd, his carcci- coutiiuially suggested greater possibilities 
unreached, lie was a horn leader of men. IJis following was 
natural and spontaneous. He rose -above reverses buovantly, 
and lost friends and money magniiicently, as if sure of recover- 
ing tiiem. He might have had a better following to far higher 
aceoniplishmi-nts, but no American to-day at forty-eight years 
of age stands so strong a centre of inilueuce as Douglas, and at 
forty-eight he died. 

I well rememl)er the occasion on which I tirsi heard Abraham 
Lincoln speak. He was among his Springfield townsmen, and 
was calK'd to address a gathering in the Hall of IJepresntatives, 
on the evening of a political convention among the tirst heats of 
"lileeding Kansas." The surprising character and quality of the 
speech of this (juaint dark man with the wonderf(dly pliant \oice 
incensed me greatly in its tirst half hour. It was a careful and 
masterly presentment of the odious other sitle. It was irritating 
on a warm night, made hotter by the surroundings and topics of 
the day. to hear a statement of S(jualter Sovei-eignty calm and 
passionless as an ice-house, lint when Lincoln had put together 
their argument as lew of the defenders of Border Ruffianism could 
liave done, he tore it down and scattered it like chart". This was 
'Sir. Lincoln's way, and a way vastly troublesome it was to op- 
posing counsel, when he got the lirst statement of their cases be- 
fore a jury. Later I often heard jMr. Lincoln in tlie canvass and 
in the court room. His legal specialty was patent law. He 
v,-ould malce the most abstruse and intricate plea interesting to 
all who loved to watch his ingenuity and skill. It is too com- 
mon among those who iliscuss Abraham Lincoln's cai'eer, to 
bring together too closely the great contrasts of his life, as if our 
Americanism was Mattered by carrying the raw rail splitter and 
illiterate flat -boatman straight into the AVhite House. Letween 
these extremes of Mr. Lincoln's life lay the long years of ijatient 
and shining progress upward in the career of the successj'ul law- 
yer of widely recognized aijilities, a public man and debater on 
public questions, already national in splendid reputation, that 
would have left him high among the mai'ked men of his own time 
had he not been nominated at Chicago. It is not a sound or 



42 



wise teaching for American youth that the soil and grime of hum- 
ble labor can be freshly carried into jjlaces oi' highest responsi- 
bility. Diamonds and potatoes come alike Irom the soil, but the 
value of the stone lies in its ca|)acity for l)cing cut and polished. 

When Abraham Lincoln went to Washington he was lit to 
stand before princes. Like Douglas he had a warm personal 
following but it was of a di.ferent character. It l>oirowed little 
from purely social pract,ic;!s, and nothing from vices. He was 
always a careful and thrifty man. He diank with no one and 
shared no one's tobacco pouch. If men got drunk with toasts to 
"Old Abe," no one thought of treating or being treated in his 
name. Yet he had no asceticism. He was broadly humane, 
always sweetly, almost womanly, kind and gracious in his gravest 
cares ; even in the later tremendous res[>onsi])iHlies of his great 
office, always easv of approach, lU'ompt in recognizing old friends 
and olden ties. It seems almost trite to refer to his stor^'-telling 
proclivities, but these made in him a conspicuous trait. He al- 
ways had a story ready. He I'arely told a Htory the listener had 
heard before. The stories were used for a point or a foil. Many 
an office hunter or well intentioned bore, big with the fancied 
importance of his errand, read his fate or got his response in one 
of these small parables. I was once present when a party of 
gentlemen, some of them old friends of the President, can)e to 
press a little importunately a measure that did not have his full 
sanction. In the midst of the discussion he turned suddenly to 
one of the visitors and said, "t'eter, if you call a sheep's tail a 
leg how many legs will a sheep haver" "Five, of (;ourse," said 
the other. "Well Peter that might be true, but unfortunately 
calhng a sheep's tail a leg does not make it a leg." Every man 
present read in that flash of humor the fate of their errand. 

Before his nomination I had often the ojjportunity of meeting 
Mr. Lincoln at Springlield among his friends, and at Chicago 
where his keen interest in important current events brought him 
frequently to our editorial rooms. He was a loving and domestic 
man in his household. No picture of him would be entirely 
characteristic that left out his little son "Tad." When a mere 
sprawling troublesome urchin, just out of short clothes. Tad olt- 
en accompanied his father on protracted trips and in absences 



4'] 



from home, in all ])art8 of Illinois. 1 once asked the elder broth- 
er the meaning" of this singnlai- i)refix. Tad. lie answered, "His 
name is Thomas, but he was no4 named at all for two years and 
father used to call him Tadpole,, and Tad has stuck to him." 

A most wonderful and etfeclive portion of IMr. Lincoln's public 
career has been already referred to, the series of masterly debates 
with Douglas in bs.Vs, in the contest for the U. S. Sonatorship. 
These called out Mr. Lincoln's ))est powers. In a collected vol- 
ume they stand to-day as the best epitome and statement of the 
last recourse of Slavery belbre the appeal to arms. Mr. Lincoln 
was nominated at Chicago, in an immense structure, the Chicago 
\Vigwam. capable of seating twelve thousand people. It vras 
!)uilt in three weeks, a i)lossom of Chicago enthusiasm, and no 
part of of a [)olicy. yet it played a powerful part in tlu- n<jinina- 
tion. Mr. Seward's friends did not hesitate to declare that the 
size of the gathering defeated all the manipulation and manage- 
ment S(j potent on convention occasions. For the whole period 
following his nomination until his departure for AVashington, Mr. 
Lincoln's plain frame dwelling in Springfield was the ^lecca of a 
host of pilgrims, and for weeks he freely received all comers, 
sometimes literally, by answering his own door-bell. Then his 
friend^ fearmg the ill effects of over fatigue, pressed upon him the 
attendance of a competent Ix^dy servant, at first a most embar- 
rassing possession to the good President elect, who never learned 
to gracefully leave to others what he could do for himself. He 
made light demands on servants and orderlies at the White House 
or the D.'partments. Hut tire visitor who through these sur- 
i;)!:ndings of simplicity and o}>en good nature, pressed far enough, 
was sure to lind (juaiilies of heart and head that would put sun- 
light thi'ongh him and his errand. The wisest went away strength- 
ened ; the silly or scheming visitor retreated rebuked or smashed. 
On the Presidential journey from Springfield to Wa.-,hingtoii I had 
frequent occasions to admire Mr. Lincoln's readiness for all 
occasions. His little farewell address to his town-men from 
the car platform on a dripping Febrnary morning, in l.s(>l. 
wasreally the last leave-taking, for he never again looked nj^on 
his Illinois home. And when we saw the cortege that, in l.S()0, 
brought Lincoln back, it was imi^ossible not to recall the shadow 



44 

as of the wing of coming Fate, that when they were uttered gave 
sadness, ahnost gloom, to those parting words in IHOl. The 
same suggestions of tlie perils of the hour closed the Presidential 
journey, where he left our party at Ilarrisburg, tor the tlying 
night trip to Washington. Between this beginning and this close 
the journey of the President was full of proofs of Mr. Lincoln's 
breadth, readiness and fitness for his great otlice. lie met all oc- 
casions and calls with quickness and power, with sharp condensed 
phrases and rare subtlety, as when he crossed foils with Mayor 
Wood in the New York nuniicipal reception ; and with a light 
play of words and pleasantry where such served with his acjmirers. 
At a little station in Ohio, near Cincinnati, as the train halted 
he began to tell a story from the rear platform to an earnest vil- 
lage squad. The sharp start of the train cut the story in two. 
Two hours after we reached the Burnet House, a wagon i)arty 
direct from the water-tank audience, came in great haste to Mr. 
Lincoln's room and told him they had ridden down sixteen miles 
to carry back the end of that story. He sent them away ile- 
lighted. Mr. Lincoln's sudden departure from Harrisburg was a 
thorough surprise and fell most startlingly upon all but three or 
four of the Presidential party. It was believed to be no occa- 
sion for confidences, and the step was known to only the precise 
number needed to carry it into effect. All the rest slept (juietly 
after the day's fatigue, and among them none more soundly than 
the New York Times reporter, who iieing awakened tt) the fact 
and to breakfast, hastened to put inttj type and into an undeserv- 
ed place in history, the full details of tlse departure, adding to his 
picture the "Scotch cap and military cloak" as the disguise worn 
at this reporter's own suggestion. The inventor of the bogus 
Scotch cap and military cloak lived to write the forged Procla- 
mation. The President's night journey was brought about by a 
baseless scare gotten up by private detectives, for reasons the 
fraternity never lack. But it had an effect of national value in 
startling the people and pre[)aring them for the impending call 
on their devotion. Certainly many who in 18G1 laboriously 
demonstrated that the type of our civilization bore or admitted 
no such recourse as the murder of a ruler, lived to find their 
theory defeated in the tragedy of I860. 



45 

. In my preface to these rambling notes I had something to sa}* 
of the ^N'est as 1 found it. A few words as to the West of to-day. 
The census of 1.S70 showed an increase of from ten to twelve 
millions of people in the West-be^^ond Ohio. Chicago has become 
a city of half a million people. . Thriving cities stand in the place 
of shabby villages, and we to day locate our fading Indian front- 
ier in distances from the i)opulous shore-belts of both oceans. 
Tile great striking fact of this growth and what gives promise to 
rhis growth is its homogeneity. On no other part of earth's sur- 
lace and in no other time of the earth's histoi'V have the chan- 
nels of trtidc and human intercourse sent their shuttles across as 
many degrees of the earth's surface through a web of humanit}' 
so even in its texture. The time may have been when by the 
exaggernli(Mi of some local characteristic a distinctiveness might 
seem to l)e estaltlished for representatives of our diiTerent sections. 
Take the group of rei)resentatives of all sections easy to l)e found 
in our larger marts of trade, and if y(ju can distinguish the busi- 
ness man of Oregon or California or the cities of the great inte- 
rior from his guild brothers east of the Alleghanies, the distinct- 
ions are more laucifiil than real, and pr(jl)alily maik only a cling- 
ing trace of the old idea in your own mind. The railroad has 
equalized localities ; Ihe press the facile comnumications of our 
lime have made us one peojjle. Even so prosaic a fact as the 
wholesale clothing trade has broken d(jwn all distinctions of attire. 
Your chance friend in the car or hotel may be a salmon packer 
on tiie Columbia river, a Bangor lumlter dealer, or a l»usiness 
man from Bennington or Santa Fe. and from neither of these 
brings any local trait, ll was something more and l)etter than 
the assumption of human in'erogative when the early charters cut 
our American wilderness into strips extending from sea to sea. 
It was Destiny that moved our fathers to great schemes and 
measures for the develo{)ment of, the continent as one coun- 
try. 1 found the West in bS")! on the shores of Lake Michigan, 
and called myself a western man. The farmer on the lianks of 
the Nebraska, is to-day less of a western man than was the set- 
tler in the Oenessee valley forty years ago. 



46 

The reading of this paper was listened to with- 
unusual interest, it hein<A" well known that the writ- 
er was entirely familiar with his subject, and that 
his long experience as a journalist in the West had 
given him special facilities for observing and noting 
the maimers and customs incidcjit to pioneer life. 

After the reading of the paper by Mr. Smith, Rev. 
George Allen spoke brietly complimenting the intelli- 
gent consideration of the influences which have 
developed the West, and alluded to some earlier 
pioneers, C(jok and Kane, the latter a classmate of 
the speaker, at Yale in 18 lo; also to Governeur 
Morris who planned the Erie Canal, the medium 
which brought the West into connnunication with 
the East. Several members also spoke upon the 
same genera,! subject, and the meeting was one of 
■peculiar interest. On motion of Mr. Staples the 
thanks of the Society were extended to Mr. Smith 
for his valuable paper. 

The Annual meeting of the Society was held Dec. 
2d, 1879, the President in the chair. The roll was 
called by the Secretary, by which it appeared there 
were twenty-seven members present. There were 
also present by invitation, Rev. George Allen and 
Mr. Joseph Lovell. The minutes of the meeting of 
Nov. 11th were read and approved. The Standing 
Committee on Nominations made a report, nomina- 
ting Charles C. Baldwin, James L. Estey and Thomas 
A. Dickinson of Worcester, and Mr. John Cort of 
Webster, all of whom were duly elected by ballot. 



^7 
The following letters were read by the Secretary: 

. HiNGHAM, Oct, 27, 1879 

Ihoiie/ iSea(jrare Esq. JSecretari/ of the 

Worcester Society of Antiquity. 

Dear sir : — Your kind note informing nie of mv election as a 
Curresijonding member of your 8ociety, I have just received, it 
liavinp: come liere during niy absence fi'om home. I cheerfully 
accept the honor you have done me by said election, and shall 
esteem it a privilege to be associated with the members of your 
Society in pursuits kindred to those in Avhicli I have an ever pres- 
ent and deep interest. 

I hope I may be able, with you, to gather from the past such 
focts and memorials as shall illustrate the histor}- of growth and 
progress of our common country, so full of lessons of instruction, 
which if jtroperly understood and heeded, will give us large aid 
in the solution of many of the questions now constantly arising 
to perplex and agitate us. 

I rememl)er tlie very 'pleasant evening I spent at your Society's 
meeting in June last, and trust that 1 may again have the pleas- 
ure of meeting with you. 

1 am yours with respect, 

(^nXCY BICKNKLL. 



MOHKISANIA, XkW" YoKK C'iTV. 

XoVKMUKU "2 1 . \S~[). 

Jjc'ir xir : — Your favor of the l^th inst.. informing me that, at 
a recent meeting of "The \V(jrcester Society of Anti(iuity.'" I was 
elected to a ('(»rr('sp()ndliig Menilicrsliiii tlieiein. was received 
this nioi'ning ; and I beg you to coiivi-y to that body my earnest 
thanks for the honor which, thereby, it has c-onferred on me. and 
my acceptance of tlie prolleriMJ nieuiliership. 



48 



I am, now, prett3" well julvanced on my journey to tlie grave, 
and seldom go beyond ni}- own premises : you must not expect 
to see me, therefore, at the Society's meetings or among its busy 
workmen. Nevertheless I shall nlways l»e happy to hear of its 
continued welfare and to serve il, in my particular de[)artment 
of labor, whenever I may do so. 

I also beg 3'our acceptance, individually, of my sijicere thanks 
for the kindness with which you have communicated the Society's 
action. 

V'er}' trul}'. ycjurs, 

IIENIIY B. DAWSON. 



Clevklaxi), O, 22, Nov. 1<S7'J. 
Daniel Seagrace Esq., Kiecretari/, 

Worcester, JIass. 

Dear sir: — I am much gratified at the mark of respect bestowed 
upon me by ''The Worcester Society of Anticjuity," and accept a 
membership in your Society with much pleasure. I shall be hap- 
P3' to do what I can to forward the objects of the Society, i)ur- 
suits which interest its members being my aim outside of a some- 
what labox'ious profession. 

I have in times past stopped several times in your city for lit- 
erary purposes, and ma}' again. 1 shall be happy to show any 
of 3-our members who visit my own city on their way west, the 
best collection of antiquities, aside from copper implements, west 
of the Alleghanies. 

The Publications of your Society arrived just as we were having 
books bound and went at once to the bindery. I shall examine 
them more minutely with interest. I have no doubt that the ele- 
gant manner in which they are presented is due in a gooil degree 
to the nice taste of the Secretary of the Societ}'. 
I am. 

with respect, 

Yours, 

C. C. BALDWIN. 



49 

Deerfield, [Mass.] Nov. 27, 1870. 
Daniel Scagrave Esq., Sec. 

Worce.stei' Society of Antiquiti/. 

Dear sir: — For the honor of being nnnniniously elected a corre- 
sponding mcnilier of yonr Society, please return to it my hearty 
thanks. If niinl)le to meet with yon, I \u)[)C at least to send oc- 
casionally some historic items which shall have value to a Sociel}' 
like yours. 

Allow me to congratulate you on the remarkable success of 
your body during the short period of its existence, as shown by 
its i)ublished l*roceedings. The labors, shown by the Report.s 
(jf your committees, have brought forth fruits which will lia\e 
untold value in the ages to come, and be the best monuments (o 
tlic memory of those earnest men. 

Yours very trnl}', 

GEO. SHELDON. 



The Librarian read his Annual Report, stating 
that the contributions to the library during the past 
year had been ntinierous and vahiable. The total 
number ol'boitnd voliunes in the library was reported 
to be 1325; total nunil)er of pamphlets 4342. The 
rep(M't referred to a recent gift of a copy of Winthrop 
Sargent's Lite of Major Andre. As a part of the re- 
port, a sketch of the life and character ol" the martyr 
Patriot of the Revolution, Nathan Hale, was given, 
in wliich was contrasted !iis life and motives with the 
iiie and motives of Major John xVndre, the British 
Spy. The Report in full, together with tlie list oi" 
donations, will be tbund on snbse(iuent pages. 



50 

On motion of Mr. Staples it was voted that the 
thanks of the Society he tendered the Lihrarian, Mr. 
Alhert A. Lovell, for his instrnctive, interesting and 
ehihorate report, and that the same he referred to 
the Committee on Puhlication. 

The Society then proceeded to the election of offi- 
cers lor the ensuing year, as follows: President, 
Hon. Clark Jillson; 1st V^ice President, Ellery B. 
Crane; 2d Vice President, Alhert Curtis; Secretary, 
Daniel Seagrave ; Treasurer, James A. Smith ; Li- 
hrarian, Alhert A. Lovell ; Standing Connnittee on 
Nominations for three years, Charles R. Johnson. 

Remarks were made hy Henry H. Chamherlin, 
relating; to the commercial historv of Worcester dur- 
ing the past fifty years. On motion of Mr. Crane 
it was voted that Mr. Chamherlin he invited to read 
a paper upon the subject aforementioned at some 
future meeting. Burton W. Potter Esq., of Wor- 
cester, and J. W. Brigham M. D., of Sutton, favored 
the Society with brief remarks. On motion it was 
voted to adjourn for two weeks. 

The adjourned Annual meeting was held Tuesday 
evening, Dec. 16th, and twenty-six mendjers were 
present; also, Rev. Geo. Allen and Mr. Freeman 
Brown by invitation. The Treasurer, Mr. James A. 
Smith, read his report of receipts and disbursements 
during the past year. Reports from the Depart- 
ments of Archa3olog3' and General History-, by Chas. 
R. Johnson, Chairman, and Ancient Manuscripts, 
Publications and Engi'avings, by Hon. Clark Jillson, 



51 

Chairman, were presented and read. Mr. Stephen 
Salisbury Jr. presented to the Society, through a 
inenil)er, the "Histor\- of Worcester County," in two 
vohunes, large 8vo.,just published; also, a volume 
entitled "The North Americans of Antiquity." On 
motion of Mr. Paine, a vote of thanks was tendered 
Mr. Salisbury for this renewed expression of his in- 
terest in the welfare of the Soci(!ty. 

Sundry other contributions of books, and pam- 
phlets were received from various sources, among 
which were two volumes of Hohnes' ''American 
Ainials," an early and quite rare edition, from Wm. 
S. liarton, Es(|. Mr. S. E. Staples then read his 
very interesting paper upon "The Ancient Psalm- 
ody and llynniology of New England." The paper 
indicated that the author had given much time, 
study and research in its preparation; and its read- 
ing was listened to with undivided attention and 
interest. Complimentary remarks were made by 
Rev. (xeorge Allen, and Messrs. Barton, Lamb, John- 
son, and others. Mr. Barton read an article on 
llynuis, prepared by him in 1853, which was pub- 
lished in Dwight's Journal of Music at the time. 

Mr. Sh urn way, for the Connnittee on Biographies, 
reported })rogress. The Connnittee have as yet re- 
ceived but few bi(;graphies of members, and desire 
further time to complete their work. On motion of 
Mr. Lovell, a vote of thanks was tendered Mr. Sta- 
l)les for his interesting ])a})er read this evening; and 
it was also voted to re(piest Mr. Staples to furnish a 



■JZ 



copy of the i^aino for publication in the Proceedings 
of the Society. On motion it was voted to adjourn 
for one week. 

The second adjourned Annual meeting was held 
Tuesday evening, Dec. 2od, 1879, at which seven 
members were present. Mr. Dajiiel Sengrave, the 
Secretary, being absent on account of illness, Mr. 
Albert A. Lovell w;is chosen Secretary y>;'o /e;«. — 
It having Ijeen announced in the daily papers that, 
on account of other eng:aa:ements. Mr. E. B. Crane 
from whom, as Chairman of the Committee on Local 
History and Genealogy, a report was expected, 
would be absent, the attendance was small, and but 
little business transacted. On motion of Franklin 
P. Rice the annual assessment of members- for 1880, 
was fixed at three dollars for each active member. 
On motion of Mr. Staples it was voted that the Com- 
mittee on Local Ilistory and Genealoiiv, and the 
Committee on Coins, Relics and Curiosities, be allow- 
ed to report in print. On motion of Mr. Staples it 
was voted that the Librarian be requested to open 
the rooms Tuesday evenings during the year. On 
motion, voted to adjourn. 




THE ANCIENT 
I'SALMODY AND IIYMNOLOGY 

OF 
NF:W ENGLAND. 



BY 8A:MUKL K. ST VPLr.S. 



Tin-: New Enoiaud chaiactor is a distinct type of moral and 
religions growth. It is traceable to the early training and ednca- 
tion ol" tliose. who, for conscience and for freedoni's sake came 
to this now and inhosiiital)le clime, and hei'e estalilished institu- 
tiuiis and incnlcuted [jrinciples which have made onr people 
inti'lligiMit and moral, and onr conntiT free. The Bihle, the 
Psalm liook and a few other works, constitnted mainly the 
litoratinx' ol" oiii' Xew Kngian<l fatliers. The Bible was their 
guide in everything pertaining t<j moi'als, religion, and ci\il 
government. Ifjon this Word they rested, — from it they drew 
the inspiration which contr()ll(Ml their lives ; it governed them in 
all things, sustained them in all trials and [privations of which 
they sutfered many, and directed them in their earthly course up 
to the heavenly ; never denying tlieir faith, they were ever solicit- 
ous for the well-i)eing of all arc^md them, and always seeking the 
glory'of that Being whom tliey in liumilitN' and sincerity wor- 
shiped. Such a [jeople were a devout [X'ople, chosen of (iod, 
built up for a great work, the planting of a tree whose branches 
to-day spread abroad into all lands, casting theii- fruit uiion all 
shoi'es. One of our own poets* has so admiraiily described the 



»' William II. Burleigh. 



54 

character of our forefathers in the follo^vino; Hnes, that I make 
no apology for introducing them here. 

"Bold men were they, and true, that pilgrim band, 

Who plough'd with venturous prow the stormy sea. 

Seeking a home for hunted Liberty 
Amid the ancient forests of a land 
AVild, gloomjf, vast, magniticently grand ! 

Friends, country, hallow'd homes they left, to be 
Pilgrims for CHRIST'S sake, to a foreign strand — 

Beset by peril, worn with toil, yet Free ! 
Tireless in zeal, devotion, labor, hoj^e ; 

Constant in faith ; in justice how severe ! 

Though fools deride and bigot- skeptics sncT. 
Praise to theii- names ! If called like them to cope. 

In evil times, with dark and evil powers, 

0, be their faith, their zeal, their courage ours!" 

If such was tlie character of the people of those early days of 
New England, what were their songs in which they took delight, 
and l»y which in sacred service they gave forttj their praise 
to God? 

"The winds and waves were roaring : the Pilgrims met for prayer ; 

And here, their (iod adoring, they stood in open air. 
When breaking day they greeted, and when its close was calm. 

The leafless woods repeated the music of their psalm." 

The Scottish statesman. Andrew Fktclier,* of Saltoun. wroic 
as follows : ''•I knew a vei'v wise man who believed that if a man 
were permitted to make the ballads, he need not enie wlio should 
make the laws of a nation." In a higiier sense, if such was l)e- 
lieved to be the etfect of the l);dlads that should be sung by a 
people in forming tlieir character as citizens, what would be the 
influence of the psalms tliat should be sung in moulding the monil 
and religious sentiment of those who in sineei'ity seek foi' light 
and truth, and divine control in all their ways? And hei'c' let 
me say, for fear of Iteing misunderstooil. that the ^linistcrs of 
New England, of the first geneiation, wei'e most oi'llx-m le:!fiie(l 



'' A Scottish Statesman and Author, born in Snltoun, East Lothian, in 1053: died in I.i>n- 
don, in 1716. He was educated under the care of Gilbert Burnet. 



Db 



moil, odiicnted at the Universities in England, Init tliono;h well ed- 
ucated their liltraries were sjuall. The Kev. Sanniel Newman of 
iJrlioliolh. one of tliat number, ^viis the autlioi- of the tiist eoncor- 
(hiuce of the Old and New Testament^ever made in the English 
tuHgue. lie had wliat was regarded a large library for that time 
tliougii his English Ijooks were appi'aised at only £1. and his 
(•l:issic-al. at fbs. Intelligent laymen were no better supplied 
witli b()((lvs than the reverend clergy. It may be well to state 
in this connection, that the lil)rarv of Miles Standish comprised 
prolinbly not more than fifty volumes, the whole being appraised 
Dec. 2. 1 (i.')(), sixty d;iys afler his death, at t'l 1 . Us. Among his 
books were The History of the A\'oild, The History of (,^hieeu 
Elizabeth, The State of Europe, o Bil»les, 1 Testament, 1 I'salm 
IJook. !5all on Eaith. ami 1)(»(1 on the Lord's Supjter. 

1 now propose to give some facts relating to the Ancient 
I'salmody and Hymnology of New England, and read for our im- 
provement and entertainment, a few selections from the Psalms 
and Hymns which were used t)y our devout and reverend fore- 
fathers. My attention has been dii'ected to this subject by the 
sale in New York, some months since, of a eojiy of the "liav 
i*s;ilm Hook." ;is it has ln'cn commoidy called, at a pi'ice much 
beyond the ability of most collectors to pnrchase, this eoi)v hav- 
ing lieen obtained by Mr. Cornelius \'anderbilt of that v\\\\ for 
the sum of Si -('<). In writing n[)on this topic I desire also, to 
.sketch brielly the history of some of the devotional lyries of the 
chui'ch. fi'om the earliest perio<l ol" which there is any well au- 
lhenticMte(l jK'count, and read a few selections therefi'om. 

liilil tlic time o!" the I'l'formation under Luther, the Psalms of 
the liible were mainly used as the devotional lyrics of the people 
of (b),!, scene of which antedated l>v more than five hundred years 
tlie classic poems of Homer. Among the earliest of these, and 
possjlily the very lirst, is the ninetieth, beginning. '•'Lord thon 
hast been our dwelling" place in all generations," written by 
.Moses, the leader of (bxl's people, in recognition (»!' their (h'liver- 
ance from the hands of their o[)pressors after they crossed the. 
Red si'a. These Psalms continued to lie used age after age with 
few attemi)ts only at ;i metrical Nci'sion, so fa)' as I can leai'U, 
until Luther broke awa\ from the ancient usaaes and introduced 



5(r 



n now onler of things. Metrical hymns were indeed used very 
early in t!ie Christian Church, but there was no versification or 
paraphrase of the Psalms excepting a (ireek translation liy 
Apollinaris, stated l»y one authority, to have l}een made about 
the year 470. which was the (irst n)etrical version of the rsalms. 
I find a notice of three persons of the name of Apollinaris. The 
first, Claudius Apollinaris, bishop of Hierai)olis, a. d. 170. wrote 
an ''Apology foi- the Chiistian faith," and some other works, all 
of which are lost. 2. Apollinaris, father and son, the former 
presl)yter. the latter l)isho|) of Laodicea. The father was l)orn 
at AleKandria. NN'licn .luliiui (a. d. .")(i2) issued an edict forliid- 
ding Christians to teach the clissics, A[)ollinaris and his son un- 
dertook to supijly the loss l)y transforming the Scriptures into a 
l)ody of poetry, rhetoric, and ))hil(;s(jphy. According to one au- 
thority, the Old Testament history, up to the reign <jf Saul, who 
was anointed king about the year .\. m. •iUOil, formed a kind of 
heroi(^ poem, divided into twenty-four l)ooks. which wei'e namecl 
after the letters of the Greek alj)lial)et. The New Teslament was 
put into the form of dialogues. Only two works remain which 
appear to have formed a part of these sacred classics, namely : 
a tragedy entitled ''Christ Suflering," and a poetic version of the 
Psalms, entitled '-Metaphrasis Psalmorum." The latter, writ- 
ten probably by the son, was [)ublished at Paiis in loo^, lo<'^0 
and 1G13 ; and by Sylburg at lieidelherg, !.'>!)(). Apollinaris the 
younger held some peculiar views concerning the nature of Christ, 
for which he was excommunicated. He was the founder of a sect 
called Apollinarists, which continued till the middle of the lifth 
centurv, and it is quite j)robal)le that his translation of the Psalms 
was used by his followers in their acts of public as well as private 
devotion. The time of his death is not recorded with accuracy, 
though he is said to have died between the yeai's a. d. o.s2 and 
392. It will be observed that there is a great discrepancy in 
dates regarding the time in which -his translation of the Psalms 
must have been made, but I am inclined to think the latter jjeriod 
the most reliable. I have been particular in stating these facts 
gathered from history, because of the importance an<l prominence 
which attaches to the name of Apollinaris, as the lirst translator 
of the book of Psalms into metrical verse. 



57 



The followers of John Ilnss and .lei'ome of Prague, who died in 
1 H') and lllC), had among them a lyrical version of the Psalms. 
IIuss is known to have versilied the 12Sth j^salm. The Bohe- 
mian Brethren had a Psalm and Hymn IJook, with musical notes, 

Concerning some of the ancient hymns and their wj-iters I de- 
sire now to call attention, and will first mention Clement, of Alex- 
andria, one of the Christian fathers, as the earliest Ciu'istiau 
hymn writer Avhose name has come down to the present time. — 
The following stanza is a portion of a hymn on the nativity of 
Christ, which is attributed to this authc)r. 

"ilouth of'..abcs who cannct speak, winn' of nestlings who cannot fly, 
Sure guidL' of babes, shepherd of royal sheep, gather thine own 

Artless children to praise in holiness, to sing in guilelessness 
With blameless lips, thee, O Christ, guide of children." 

Says a writer upon the subject of hymnology, "•There is scarce- 
ly anything that retains a more permanent influence over hu- 
man thought and feeling in tlie present Hie than the hymns and 
songs which the soul drinks in daring childhood." 

Another, in the order of time which claims our notice, nntl 
cannot with propriety be omitted, is the Te Deum, one of the 
most ancient hymns of the church and perhaps the very first lit- 
erarv iiroduetion to take the form of a hymn with its connected 
thought and representation of the great mystery of the Holy 
Trinity. It eml)racs tlie belief and the aspirations of the folhjw- 
ers of Christ through all the ages past, and to-day, as truly as 
ever expresses the sentiments of the true and trusting believer in 
Ilim. the Son of Mary, the Son of Cod. The origin of this hymn 
is not known with certainty, but there area number of ti'adiiious 
concerning it. One is. that it gushed forth in sudden inspiration 
from the li[)S of Amb-rose as he bai)tized Augustine ; another, that 
St. Amlin^se and St. Augustine, touched at t!ie same moment by 
the same sacred tire, sang it together responsively. Thei'e is 
still another more i-easonalile view coucei'uing its origin, that it 
sprung fnjni the earlier Orii-ntal morning hynms, or fragments of 
many such hymns flowing on from age to age. and in which, says 
another, we seem to hear the persecuted christians of Pliny's day 
meeting lielVu'e dawn to sing their ()raise to ( lu'ist as (iod. 



58 



But whatever may have lii'eii its origin, whetlur tlie production 
of a single iiiiail or till' accuinuiated tlKjuglits of many minds 
moving in harmony, cannot at tliis day be determined. It has 
been well and truly said. •■It is a creed taking wing and soaring 
heavenward; it is 1'aith seized with a su<ldi'n joy as siie counts 
her treasures, and laying them at the feet of .lesus in a song; it 
is tlie incense of praver rising so near the rainl)ow around the 
throne as to catch its light and become I'adiant as well as fra- 
grant, a cloud of incense illumined into a cloud of glory. ' List- 
en for a momsnt to a few of its sublime utterances and take in 
its spirit of rev^n-ent (U'votioii. 

"We praise thee, O (rod ; we iicknowledge th.'e to be the I.rird ; all the 
earth doth worship thee, the Father everlasting. To thee all ani;els cry 
aloud ; the heavens and all the powers therein. To thee, cherubim and ser- 
aphim, continually do cry, holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Sabaoth; heaven 
and earth are full of the niajjsty of diy ^iory." 

There are but few specimens extant of the hymn writers of the 
earliest christian centuries, and of these 1 cannot now weary ycjur 
patience by making further mention. Among the writers of a 
later j)eriod. whose deej) utterances are the outburst of a true 
and trusting soul, touched by ))oetic fire, may be mentioned I5er- 
nard De Morals, monk of (luni, who lived during the first half 
of the twelfth century. The V)irth-])lace of Bernard is not cer- 
tainly known, though by some it is claimed that he was born in 
England, and he is classed with her illustrious writers. After 
seven centuries of comparative forgetfulness a [loi'tion of his 
writings have l)een revived which will ever li\ e to l)less and com- 
fort the believer's heart. The greatest of his {)0('ms is said to lie 
the De Coiite.niptn MmrJ!, which was written al)out the yeai- 
1145, and contains three thousand lines. The following is a 
translation l)y Trench, of the first six lines of this I'emarkable 
poem, the whole of which was claimed by this old monk to liaxc 
been inspired by the spii-it of God. 

"Hours of the latest ! times of the basest I our viijd bi'for{> us I 
Judgment eternal of Being supernal now hanging o'er us ! 
Evil to terminate, equity vindicate, cometh the Kingly ; 
Righteousness seeing, anxious hearts freeing, crowning each singly. 
Bearing life's weariness, tasting life's bitterness, life as it must be, 
The righteous retaininu', sinners arraigning, jiulging all justly." 



59 

Dr. Ji)liii .Alasou Neale* says of this poem, "that it op(-ns with 
a (Inscription of the peace and uloiy of heaven, of sucli rare 
iieauty as not easily to lie niatclu'il \)\ any meilia'val composi- 
tion on tlie saiue snl>ject." AnotiuT writer says, 'Mt ;Lilows witli 
a (lesci-iptioii of the Heavenly Land nioi'e lieantifnl than ever he- 
fore was \vi-ou;^iit in verse. He fniHier adds : "Tliis schohir of 
C'aniliridu'e. and tliis nionlv of C'Inni. liave liiven to the religious 
world the sweetest and dearest poem that (nir Language contains." 
The autiior of a work on -'The Seven (ireat Hymns of the Me- 
dia'\al Church" remarks. ''I have no hesitation iu saying, that I 
look on tliese xcrses of liirnard as the most lovely, in the same 
way that the lJi<^.^ Iro' is the most sul)lime, and the >>tabaf Mater 
tiie most pathetic of medi:eval hymns. The following is selected 
from Dr. Neale's translation of this poetic autlioi' into simi)!e 
I'lnglish verse and is entitled, '* 77/^' C V.V.s'/Zr^/ ('Vw/y///-//." 

No more heantifnl lines have heen wiitten than tlie following 
stanzas, which dearly exi)ress the desires of the confiding believer 
in Him. whose words are comfort to the weary soul in all seasons 
(jf devout emotion, and in hours of sorrow and pain. 

"Jcnisalrni the •jjuldc-n, with milk and honey blest, 
Beneath thy contemplation sink heart and voice oppressed. 
I know not, () I know )iot, what social joys are there! 
A\'hat radiancy ot'(jlory, what liijht beyond compare! 
And wliiii I fain woidd siny; them, my spirit fails and faints; 
.Vnd vainly would it iniaije the assenddy of the Saints. 

mine, my f^-olden Syon ! () lovelier far than gold, 
With laurel-girt battalions and safe victorious fcdd! 

() swi'ct and blessed country, shall I ever see thy face? 
() sweet and blessed country, shall 1 ever win thy grace? 

1 have the hope within me to comfort and to bless ! 
Shall I ever win the prize itself? ( ) tell me, tell me, Yes. 

Exidt. O dust and ashes ! the Lord shall be thy part ; 
His only. His forever, thou shalt be, and thou art! 
Kxult, () dust and ashes! the Lord shall be thy part; 
His only. His fon>ver. thou shalt be, and thou art!" 



° Dr. .lolin .Mason Nenlc, Warden of Sackvillo Collc^'o, Sussex, England, was tlic most siip- 
cessful translator of inediu'val liynins, antl one of tlie most vaiied and voluminous writers 
of his time. His duatli ouciniod in august, ISliO. 



60 

The first six lines of tlys religious poem as trnnslated by Dr, 
Neale are here introduced b}- vvaj- of comparison with Trench's 
translation, and are as follows : 

Tlae world is very evil, the times are waxing lati' ; 

Be sober and keep "vigil, the Judge is at the gate^ 

The Judge that comes in mercy, the Judge that conies with might. 

To terminate the evil, to diadem the right. 

When the just and gentle Monarch shall summon from the tomb. 

Let man, the guilty, tremble, for Man the God, shall doom !" 

I cannot with a just appreciation of the importance of the sub- 
ject under consideration, fail to recognize the Dies lire, as one 
of the best of the mediiieval hymns, acknowledged by critics to 
be the most sublime of its class, and one which has been variously 
rendered by different translators. That which has received a 
large share of praise, was made l\y Major General John A. Dix, 
U. S. v., at Fortress Monroe, during the second 3ear of the 
Rebellion. This is regarded liy many competent persons as the 
most literal and just translation that has been made. It contains 
the fewest errors, and is in stanzas of the same triplicate con- 
struction as the original, and is in the same dillicult double rhy- 
me. I insert a portion only of this old Judgment hymn. 

"Day of vengeance, without morrow ! 
Earth shall end in flame and sorrow. 
As from Saint and Seer we borrow. 

Ah! what terror is impending. 
When the Judge is seen descending, 
And each secret veil is rending. 

To the throne, the trumpet sounding. 
Through the sepulchres resounding. 
Summon all, with voice astounding. 

Death and Nature, mazed, are quaking. 
When, the grave's long slumber breaking, 
Man to Jtidgment is awaking. 

What shall I then say, unfriended. 

By no advocate attended. 

When the just are scarce defended?" 

The more familiar rendering of the substance of this hymn by 
Sir Walter Scott, is as follows : — 



61 

The clay of wratli I that dreadful (hiy, when heaven and earth shall pass away ! 
^Vhat power shall be the sinner's stay : how shall he meet that dreadful day — 

Vv'hcn, shrivelling like a parched scroll, the llamin;^ heavens together roll ; 
And, louder yet, and yet more drea(J,swells the high trump that wakes the dead ? 

Oh! on that day, that wrathful day, when man to judgment wakes from clay, 
I3e thou, () Christ ! the sinner's stay, though heaven and earth shall puss away. 

I c:uiiiot lorbear insiTting the following beautiful translation 
of one of the hymns of the sainted Thomas a Kempis, the re- 
puted author of the treatise "Of tiie Imittition of Christ," or, as 
given in Dean Stanhope's translation of this work, -'The Christ- 
iaii's ratt<'i!i." lie was born at Kempis. or Kempen, a small 
wnlled town in the ducliy of Clevcs, in lo.SO, and die(l August 8, 
1471 aged ninety-two years. The family name was Ilamerlein, 
his father i),'ing called John :ind his mother Gertrude. ''Of the 
Imitation of Christ." tliL-re were nearly fcjrty editions in the 
oiigintii Latin. ai;d nK)re than sixty translations have been made 
from it into modern languages. The selection which follows, 
well illustiates the sjjirit of the author, :ujd also, his line poetic 
talent. 

"High the angel choirs arc raising heart and voice in harmony ; 
The Creator King still praising, \vhom in beauty there they see." 

"Sweetest strains, from soft harps stealing, triunpet notes of triumph pealing ; 

Radiant wings and white robes gleaming, up the steps of glory streaming ; 

Where the heavenly bvUs are ringing, holy, holy, holy ! singing. 

To the mighty Trinity ; holy, holy, holy! crying; 

For all earthly care antl sigliing in that city cease to be!" 

"Every voice is there harmonious, praising God in Inmns symphonious ; 
Love each heart with light enfolding, as they stand in peace beholding, 
There the Tiiune Deity." 

"Oh, how beautiful that region, and ho\\- fair th.at hcaVcnlv legion, 
Wh"re thus men and angels bk'nd ; glorious will that city be, 
Full of deep tranciuility. light and peace from end to end?" 

i'assino- liy othei' ancient hynnis of nire beauty both in form 
and ^cntunenl, I [M-cjceed to speak more directly upon the theme 
annoimced as the subject of this pa[)er. I desire however, to 
iiive a single illustration from Luther's versitication of the forty- 
sixth psalm. 



G2 



"A sure stronghold our God is he, a timely shield and ■weapon ; 
Our help He'll be, and set us free from every ill ean hajjpen. 

And were the world with devils filled, all eager to devour us, 
Our souls to fear shall little yield, they cannot overpower us." 

One of the early a{teni[)t.s to render the psahiis of the Bible in 
metre, was made by Clement ^Marot, of France, a poet of some 
note, who was born i!i Cahors, in 14'.);'), and died in Turin, !^ept., 
lo44. Ilis work embraced about fifty of the psalms and proved 
exceedingly populai'. so much so that psalm sinoiiig became a 
fashionable amusement at the Court of Francis 1. Of these lifty 
psalms, twent}- were written by Marot while living at Geneva, and 
the lifty were printed at Rome in la 12. After Marot's death 
Theodore Beza versified the rest ol" the psalms, and the whole 
one hundred and fift}' were pulilished at Slrasling in l.')-!"). 
I will here mention some other versions of the psalms that have 
appeared, which I l)elie\e embraces all worthy of notice up to 
the period under consideration. Al>out 1. ");>;") or I.VIO Luther made 
lyrical versions of several of the psalms and a book of Psalms 
and Hymns tor iniblic worsliip was prepared for his followers. 
The Psalms appeared in Flemisli verse in l."*4(), with nuisic by 
Simon Cock, llessus Ilelius Eobanus made a version of the 
whole book of Psalms in Latin verse, which was the first Latin 
metrical version. He was born at Po/kendorH', Hesse, in 14NS, 
and died in 1540. lie at one time called himself a law student, 
but subsequently sold his law books and took to polite literature. 
After wandering in various places he linally settled at ^Niarbiu'g. 
the schools of which were supported by Philip, landgrave of Ilesse. 
His princi[)al works were metrical translations into Latin from 
the Greek poets. Li l.')4'.), Policrt Crowley made a metrical 
version of tlie Psalms. About the same time Henry Howard 
and Sir Tho. Wyat versified some of the l*salms. Geoi-gc Bu- 
chanan made an elegant Latin version about 1.'),')!). Al)out l.").')?, 
Archbishop Parker made a version whicli was printed about l.'7(». 
Peter Dathen, minister at Fraukl'ort about l.Miii, translnlcd Tvla- 
rot's and Beza's Psalms into Low Dutcli metre. P>ernard Vv'oie- 
wodka printed the Psalms in Polish metre, in ],')(}'>. The col- 
lection of Francis Rouse, 1045, is much of the same charactei' 
as the "New England version," is used by the Presbyterian chur- 
ches of Scotland, and to some extent, in this country, Stryc a 



63 

Boliemian. versified the Psalms in I-IOO. Sylburgius made a 
version in Greek verse, which was pubhshed with tliat of Apol- 
linnris in I.')ii6. by Commelinns. Lonis ("rncins, a Lisbon Jesnit 
piiblishcil the rsalins in metre, iir Latin, at ^Lidi'id, in IGOU. 
In tlie sixteentli eentnrv J. B. Chassigiiet published in French 
verse a paraphrase of all the Tsalins. Sir Piiilip Sidney, who 
fell in battle in \'))<G at the age of thirty-two. made a version of 
forty-two Psalms. The others weix' versilied by his sister ]\Liry. 
which, after slnml)ering two centuries and a half, were published 
at the Cliiswick l^ress. in LSi^o. King James L versilied a part 
of the Psalms. J. Bertaut, a bishop in Xormand}', who died in 
1(111, published a version of many of the Psalms. About 1G20 
bisho]) Miles Smyth made a version of the Psalms ; and about 
the same time another metrical version was made l)v Mr. Uod. 
In 1(;32. (xeo. Wither pul)]ished. in the Netheilands. a version, 
made by conimand of King James. Arthur JohiiSon, ph3'sician to 
( harles L who died at Oxford in l(i41, published a version of 
the Psalms in J>atin verse in Ki-'JT. (ieorge Sandys published in 
1 (!.')'-', a paraj>lirase u[)on the L)i\ine Poems containing n version 
of all the Psalms. LiI71>)I)r. Cotton Mather published the 
Book of Psalms in blank verse, (itted to the tunes in common 
use. It was designed to l)e an exact copy of the original '-with- 
out the fetteis (^f rhyme." As the •• I'iialtcriiiin Amcricdinnii " 
(as this version was called.) (hx'S not aj)i)ear to have been used 
in any of tlie churches, I have made no other mention of the 
work than is here found. Kichard Baxter left litted for the i)ress, 
by his oAM lian 1. a parapliraso of the Psalms of David, and orh- 
er hyinii-;. in U;.).'. T.iere was anot!i;;r paraplirase made by John 
Patrick i). 1). ab;)ut the same time. In 17.'»2 Jolni Barnard, min- 
ister of Mai-blelicad.. at the age (jf seventy years, j ublished a 
version of the I'salms. with tunes, but pr(;bably not used exccjjt 
by his own peoiile. James Merrick, educated at Oxford, and 
who died at Ui'ading, .Mass.. in ITO'.I. at the age of fifty-one 
years, pniilished a second edition of his Psalms in 17GG. About 
the time of Marot's pu!)lication ai)peared the English version of 
Stornhoid and Hopkins, with music original anrl selected, which, 
quaint and uncouth as it was. continued for many years to be 
that chiellv in use in I^ngland. This iirst edition of Sternhold 



04 



and riopkin's version consisted of fifty-one psahns niul was puli- 
lished in l.")4S). There were also other editions printed in 1553, 
1 57.'^, and one at Cambridge, in 1()'.)3. Sternhold completed 
only thirty-seven, which were piiiited al'ter his death, with seven 
by Hopkins, under the title of '■•^ J// -such P.saLns of DavUl as 
Ti'toh'iu:^ StcriihokU hite (xvome of the Kiiifn MajcHhi's Roht'^, 
did in hi < bjfe-time dr<ifi:e into En(/Ii.th Jletn ." The version was 
completed by John Hopkins and others, and was published in 
15G2 an'^Thr, wliole Book of Psalhis. collected i}ito EiujUsli JMetr" 
hji T. Stenihold, J. ILq^Jiins cuid others, i-onfered icith the Elirm . 
unth apt Notes to sing them icithal." It was annexed to the 
•'Book of Common Prayer" and used in this connection till 
superceded by tlie "Xew Version" of Tate and Bi'ady, and lirst 
published in KJSM;. Another edition has the follov,-ing title page. 
•'The whole Book of Psalms : eoUected into English Meeter, by 
Thomas .Sternhold, -John Hopkins, W. 'Witlinghani. and othcis, 
conferred with the Hebi-ew. Set foi'th e<; allowed to l>e sung in 
all Churches, of all the people, belbre v!'c after [Morning and Eve- 
ning Prayer ; and also liefore and after Sermons, and moreover 
in private houses, for their godly solace and comfort : laying apart 
all ungodly songs and ballades, whicii tend onely to the nouti^hing 
of vice, ami corrupting of youth. Printed, Anno 1()4-1." 

This edition which is a 12mo. of a little more than a hnudre>l 
pages, contains beside the psahns, the Veni Creator, The huinlm- 
suit of a Sinner, Venite Exrdtemns, Gloria Patri, The Song of 
Saint Ambrose, called Te Denni, The Song of the three Children, 
The Song of Zacharias, called iienedictus. The Song of blessed 
Mary, called Magnilieat, The Song of Simeon, called Nunc I)i- 
mittis. The Symbole or Creed of Athanasius, called C^uicunque 
vult, The Lamentation of a Sinner. The Pater Xoster, or Lord's 
Prayer, The Ten Conunandmcnts Audi Isiatd, and The Com- 
plaint of a Sinner. 

I have seen another edition also of this work j)rinted in Lon- 
don in 1648, which contains the music to be sung, pi-ir.ted in 
Diamond notes, or as ex[)ressed in the title, ••with apt notes to 
sing them williall." 

Nahum Tate, poet and dramatist, son of the Rev. Dr. Eailuful 
Tate, was born in Dublin in \i.')i')2, and educated at Trinity Col- 
lege, Dublin. He is l)est known bv the metrical version of the 



65 



Psulins. whii'li he executecl in conjunction with Dr. Nicholas 
Bnidy, chMpl.'iin to Kiiiir WiUiam and (^nccn Marv, which was 
attached to the Prayer hook, and came into gcnerijl use in the 
chiu'ch ol' Kn<iland. supphmtiny,' the older version made in the 
reiun ol" Edward \'I. liy Sternhold and Ilijpkins. Di'. I>rad3- 
was l)orn at IJandon. Ireland. October 2Sth, 1(!.")1), and died at 
liichniond. neai' London, May 20tli, 172G. 

The Tate and Brady collection was used to some extent in the 
('()ii;ire*iational Churches of New Kngland, having been intro- 
duced into the <'hurch ol" Hev. Nathan Aj)pIeton, D. 1). at Cam- 
liiiduc .lanuary, 17<i.!. It was also in general use in the Epis- 
copal Church ol" America, till within a recent period, being bound 
together with the I>ook of Common Prayer. Sternhokl and IIoi)- 
kiu's version was used in Scotland down to the middle of the 
ITtli centiii'v. and was also used in some of the American Chni'<'h- 
es till near the time of the Revolution. Tlu^mas Sternhold was 
born in Hampshire, England, about the connnenccment of the 
l()th ccntuiy , and dieil in 1 T)!'.). He was noted for his poetical 
talents and extreme picly. The following versilication of ))art 
of the .'>2<\ Psalm is taken iVom this collection and was written 
by IIo[)kins. 

"Why (lost thou, 'I'yrant, boast thyself, thy wicked deeds to praise, 
Dost thou not know there is a (iod, whose mercies last always r 
Why doth thy mind yet still devise, such wicked wiles to warp- 
Thy tonjjue untrue, in forj^iny; lies is like a razor sharp." 

History records that when the unhappy Charles fled from Ox- 
foid. he threw himself upon the army of his countrymen, then 
encamijcd l»efoi'e Newaik. I'pon one occasion, the jisalm just 
qu(jted having been sung during divine service, as soon as it was 
completed, the Iving rose and I'etpiested the soldiers t(; sing the 
following psalm (-'((Jth) by Sternlujld, which they did in compas- 
sion for his distress. 

"Have nierey. Lord, on nie, I pray for men would me dcvovir: 
He fighteth with me day by day, and troubleth me each hour. 

Mine enemies' daily enterprise, to swallow me outright ; 
To tight against mo many rise O thou most high of might. 

N 

NVhen they wovdd make me most afraid, with boasts and brags of pride : 
I trust in thee alcme for ayde by thee I will abide. 



t^G 



God's promise I do mind and praise, O, Lord I stick to thcc : 
I do not care at all afraies, what flesh can do to me." 

In the conifjlete edition of Sternhold and Hopivin's version of 
the Fsahns. besides the o7 written by Stevnhold, there were iJH 
by John Hopkins, a cleroynian of Suffolk, IG by AV. Whitting- 
hani, dean of Durham, which are considered among the best, 21 
by Thomas Norton, a barrister, 2') by W. Kethe, and one or two 
each by R. Wisdom and J. I'nllain. The foHowing stanza from 
the 74th Psahii is found in this collection : 

"Why dost thou draw diy hand aback, and hide it in thy lap? 
O, pluck it out, and be not slack to give thy foes a rap." 

The stanzas below are retained in onr niodern books of psalm- 
od}', l)ut always m:)re or less altered from ti)e original. No other 
portions of this collection, I believe, are used at the present da}'. 

"The Lord descended from above, and bowed the heavens high; 
And underneath his feet he cast the darkness of the sky. 

Ou cherubs and on cherubins full royally he rode ; 

And on the wings of all the winds eanie flying all abroad." 

Tiie wicked wits of the reign of Charles I., termed the transla- 
tions of the I'salms by Sternhold and Hopkins, (Jeneva Jigs. 
Steruhold produced also "Certayne Chapters of the Proverbs 
of Solomon, drawn into Metre," which were published after 
his death. 

The collection of psalms used b}' our forefathers w'hen they 
came to this country in 1G20, was that of the Rev. Ileni'y 
Ainsworth, published at Amsterdam, i)i \i'>l'2. Ainsworth was 
a nonconformist divine and Commentator, who flourished in 
England about the year IGUO, and died about 1G2'2. Authorities 
ditfer, however, concerning the time of his death. One writer 
sa_ys he is supposed to have died at Amsterdam about the year 
1G3'J. lie was a man who was very fc^nd of discussion, and it is 
related of him tliat he once had a violent dispute with another 
theologian, as to whether Aaron's epliod was blue or green. 
If au\- one desires to examine this matter I will refer them ti^ the 
book of Exodus, Chapter 2<sth, first to fourteentli verse inclusive, 
where will be found a full descrii)tion of the ornamental garments 
which were worn by the high i)riest. in Young's Chronicles of 



67 

the Pilgrims it is said of A ins\voi-th that he was a very leanied 
man and a close student. He was reijarded as an excellent 
Ilcln-ew scholar, and his translation of the psalms a literal one. 

The title of his version was, "'The Book of Psalms : Enoilished 
l)oth in Prosc' and Metre. With annotations opening the words 
nnd sentences, bv Conference with other Sciiptnres. P>y Ilenrv 
Ainsworth. Eph. ;'). l.s. ]<). Bee yee filled with the Spirit 
si)eaking to yourselves in Psalms and Hymns and Spiiituid 
Songs : Singing and making melodic in your hearts to the Lord." 

The Ainsworth collection was almost universally used in tli(> 
An)erican C'ohjiiies until the New England \'er.~io i, or, as it was 
more generally called, The Ba^- Psalm Book, was completed in 
1(140. A few churches continued its use for a nuich longer 
perii)d, the cIhu'cIi at i'lymouth retaining it till the year 1(;'J2, 
nnd Salem till 1(m52. There is a (-opy of this version in the 
Piince collection. n(jw in the Fixe Public Library, of Boston, 
and another in the collection of the Ameiiean Anticjuariau Society 
of this city. The latter, presented by Kev. Wm. Bentley, 
of Sale:n. August i'th. l.'^l."). is a small quarto of .'314 pages, in 
old vellum biiKjip.g, ;ind was printed in London about the year 
1()12. A memorandum on one of the leaves states that it was 
used in Salem for half a centui-y IVom the first settlement. In the 
l)reface, declaring the reason and use of the Book, the writer 
.says, •'! have enterprised (C'hi'istir.n reader) this work, with re- 
gard of (iod's honor & comfort of his people; that his word 
might dwell in us richly, in all wisdom ; and that we might teach 
and admonish ourselves, in jisalms it hynms and songs sjniit- 
ual. This I have laltored to ellect. by setting over into our 
tongue, the I'salms in metre as agreeable to the original Hebix-w, 
jis are other usual translations. For the better discerning here- 
of", I turned them also into prose, and set the versions one by 
another to be the more easily comi)ared, and because the Psalmes 
have hard words and phrases : I have added notes to explain 
with bre\ities : which was U) me ;is lal)orious as if I had made a 
l:n-tier conunentarie." The i)salms as "turned into prose" are 
[printed in ordinary Roman type, the translation in meter, in 
Italics, and llie ,\nnotati(ms to a considerable extent in Black 
]>etter. Tlie music to Vie sung is also i)rinted in this edition and 
is in the style then common, of diamond notes. The following; 



08 

•versifications of portions of the first and the 137th psalms will 
serve as specimens of Ainsworth's work. 

"() Blessed man, tliat doth not in the wickeds coimsell walk; 
Nor stand in sinners way ; nor sit in seat of scornful- t'olk. 
But sitteth in .Teht)vah's law his pleasurcful delight 
And in his law doth meditate, by day and eke by night. 
And hi- shall b^\ like as a tree, by water brooks planted ; 
^V'hich in his tim-j, shall give his fruit his leaf eke shall not fade; 
And whatsoever he shall doe, it prosp'rously shall thrive." 

The foHowing is the translation of the first three verses of the 
137th psalm. 

'•By Baliel's river there sate wee yea wept : when wee did mind, Sion. 
The willowes that amidds it bee ; our harps, wee hanged them upon. 
For songs of us, there ask did thjy that had us captive led- along; 
And mirth, they that us heaps did lay : sing unto us some Sions song." 

Bjron, than whom few have sung more sweetly, gives in a 
most tender manner the following paraphrase of this beantifnl 
and pathetic psalm. 

We sate down and wept by the waters of Babel, and thought of the day 
When our foe, in the hue of his slaughter, made Salem's high places his prey ; 
And ye, oh her desolate daughters, were scattered all weeping away. 

While sadlj' wc gazed on the river which rolled on in freedom below. 

They demanded the song ; but, oh never that triumph the strang'r shall know ! 

]May this right hand be wither'd forever, ere it string our high harp for the foe ! 

On the willow that harp is suspended, oh Salem ! its sound should bo free ; 
And the hour when thy glories wore ended but left me that token of thee : 
And ne'er shall its soft tones be blended with the voice of the spoiler by me !" 

In 1630 there were al)out thirty ministers in the colonies. 
They were learned and i)ions men who songlit the prosperity of 
this American Zion, and were desirous of doing all in their pow- 
er to build up churches here that should fear and reverence God 
and whose usefidness in every way sliould V)e made manifest. 
They relied u[)on the Divine oi-acles for direction, and sought in 
all ways to he oheilicnt luito tlieir lieavenly calling. The i)iil)lic 
worship of (iod was their delight and they endeavored to aid the 
people in all their acts of public devotion. For tliis purpose 
they resolved upon a new translation of the psalms to take the 



69 



•place of Ainswortli's version then in use ; and in 1639 a com- 
mittee VA'as appointed from tlieii- nnniber, consisting of tlie Rev. 
Thomas Weld, tlie lirst minister ^of Roxhury, Jolni Eliot,* the 
Indian apostle, also of Roxbnry, who was associated with Mr. 
Weld, and the Rev. Richard M-ather of Dorchester, to make this 
translation into English metre for the use of the Xew England 
churches. The work was completed in 1(540, being the first 
book printed in Isorth America, and, "as far as I can find," says 
Mr. Prince,! "in this whole new Vrorld." It is known as the 
New England Version, or the Bay Psalm Book. Hood in his 
histoi'V of music, speaking of this work says, "It was a Crown 
Smo. of oOU pages, jifinted in clear, new type, which was prob- 
ably imported for that particular work." In this first edition 
there were no "Spii'itual Songs" or hymns, only the psalms in 
metre. The title page of tiie first edition reads as follows : — 

"The ^^'hole Book of Psalmes P\iithfully Translated into 
English IMetre. Whereunto is prefixed a discourse declaring 
not only the lawfullness, Init also the necessity of the heaven- 
ly Ordinance of singing Scripture Psalmes in the Churches 
of (iod. C(*!l. III. Let the word of God dwell plenteously 
in you. in all uisdome, teaching and exhorting one anoth- 
er in Psalmes, Ilimnes, and Spirituall Songs, singing to 
the Lord with grace in your hearts. lames V. If any be 
alllicted, let him j)ray, and if any be merry, let him sing 
psalmes. Iin[)rinted l(!fO." 

In the preface to the Bay Psalm Book the writers say, '•'The 
Psalmes are |)enned in siu;h verses as are sutable to the poetry 
ofthehebrew language, and not in the common style of such 
other bookes of the old Testami-nt as are not poetical. * * 

Neither let any think, that for the meetre sake wee have taken 
liljertv or poeticall licence to depart from the true and proper 



^ John Eliot was born in Nasiiig, En<5l:nKl, in tlic year 1004, and died in Roxliury, Mass., 
May 20. 16!)0, aged eighty-tiix years. 

t Rev. Thomas Prinon, born at Sandwieh, Mass., May 15, 1G87, graduated at Harvard Uni. 
versity 1707, ordained pastor of the Old Roi:th Chnrcli, Boston, Oct. 1, 1718, where he labored 
forty years, in connexion witli bis friend and associat;'. Hcv. Joseph Sowell. Died October 
22, 17JS. 



70 



sence of Davids words in tlie hebrew verses, noe ; but it hath 
beene one part of our religious care aud faithfull indeavour, to 
keepe close to the original text. * * * Wee have 
therefore done our indeavour to make a plaine and familiar trans- 
lation of the psahnes and words of David into english metre and 
have not soe much as presumed to paraphrase to give the sense 
of his meaning in other words. * * * 

If therefore the verses are not alwayes so smooth and elegant 
as some may desire or expect ; let them consider that Gods Altar 
needs not our poUishings : Ex. 20. for wee have respected rath- 
er a plaine translation, then to smooth our verses with the sweet - 
lies of any paraphrase, and soe have attended Conscience rather 
then Elegance, fidelity rather then poetry, in translating the he- 
brew words into english language, and Davids poetry into english 
nieetre ; that soe wee may sing in Sion the Lords songs of prayse 
according to his owne will ; untill hee take us from hence, and 
wipe away all our teares, & bid us enter into our masters joye 
to sing eternall Halleluiahs." 

The following are selected from the first edition of this work, 
showing the style of the versifiers of that day. Psalm I., first 
and second stanzas : — 

"0, Blessed man, that in th'advice of wicked doeth not walk : 
nor stand in sinners way, nor sit in chnyre of scornfull folk. 

But in the law of Jehovah, is his longing delight : 

and in his law doth meditate by day and eke by night." 

A portion of tlie twenty-third Psalm is as follows : — 

"The Lord to mee a shepherd is, want therefore shall not I. 
Hee in the folds of tender grasse doth eause mee downe to lie : 
To waters calme mee gently leads restore my soule doth hee : 

he doth in paths of righteousnes : for his names sake leade mee." 

Psalm 42 :— 

"Like as the Hart p;inting doth bray after the water brooks, 
even in sueh wise O (iod, my soule, after thee panting looks. 

For God, even for the living God, my soule it thirstcth sore : 
oh when shall I come & appeare, the face of God before." 

Psahn 133 :— 

"How good and sweet to see, i'ts for brethren to dwell together in unitee: 
It's like choice oyle that fell the head upon that downe did How 



71 

the beard unto, board of Aaron : 

The skirts of liis garment that unto them went downe: 

Like Hermons dews descent, 8ions mountaincs upon, 

for there to bee the Lords, blessing life aye lasting 

eommandeth hti." 

I'sulm 1.S7:— 

"The rivers on Babilon there when wee did sit downe : yea even then 

wee mourned, when wee remembred Sion. 
Our Harps wee did hang it amid, upon the willow tree. 
Because there they that us away led in eaptivitee, 
Uequir'd of us a song, Mc thus askt mirth: us waste who laid, 

sing us among a Sions song, unto us then they said. 
The lords song sing can weer being in strangers land. Then let loose 

her skill my right hand, if I Jerusalem forget. 
Let cleave my tongue my pallate on, if minde thee doe not I : if chiefe 

joyes or'e I prize not more Jerusalem my joy. 
() happie hee shall surely bee that taketh up, that eke 

thy little ones against the stones doth into pieces breake." 

A second edition wa.s printed in 1()47, when a few "•spiritual 
sonos" were added, but no other changes were made in this edi- 
tion. excei)t the correction of such ty})ogra})liical errors as had 
heen discovered. I here introduce the following, founded upon 
the nai-rative as recorded in the foui'th and fifth chapters of the 
liook of .ludges. as an illustration of the hyninology of the da^s 
of ()ur fatiiers. this heing a s('lecti<jn from the song of Deliorah 
and IJarak. which is found I think in all the editions of the Bay 
Psalm Hook except the first. 

"Jael the Kenite, Heber's wife 'bove women blest shall be 
Above the women in the tent a blessed one is she. 
He water ask'd, she gave him milk ; in lordly dish she fetch'd 
Him butter forth : unto the nail she forth her left hand stretch'd : 

Her right hand to the workman's maul and Sisera hammered : 
She pierc'd and struck his tempels through, and then cut off his head. 
He at her feet bow'd, fell, lay down, he at her feet bow'd where 
He fell : whereas he Ixiwed down he fell destroyed there." 

After the jjuhlicatiou of the edition of 1(!47, the Hev. Henry 
Duiister,* president of Harvard College, and Mr. Kichard Lyon, 



° Rev Henry DunsU'r, born in England, inaiignrate<l first president of Ihirvjird College, 
Aiij;. 27, \6Mi, died Fel). 1'7, Itilll. He was resijceted as a modest and jiious man, and esUem- 
cd an excellent oriental scholar. 



then at Cambridge, but. s\-ho had obtained his education at one 
of the European Universities, were appointed a committee fur- 
ther to revise and improve the translation of the Psahns ; they 
performed this dut3' and added a number of spiritual songs. 
This revised edition was published in IGOO, and had the follow- 
ing title : — "The Psalms Hymns and Spiritual Songs of the Old 
and New Testament, faithfully translated into Englisli Metre. 
For the use. Edification and Comfort of the Saints in pablick 
and private, especially in >.ew England. 2 Tim. o, 16 and 17. 
Col. 3, 1(3. Eph. 5, 18, 19. James 5, 18." 

The "Worcester Society of Antiquity is fortunate in possessing 
a copy of the. work as revised by Dunster and Lyon, recently 
presented by Mrs. M. L. Faulkner, of Billerica. through Dr. 
George Chandler of this city, an honorary membev of the Society. 
The following note is pasted upon the inside of the cover. 

"This little volume is one of the earliest of 26 or more editions of tliis 
work. It is from the library of the late Rev. Henry Cummings who settled 
in Billerica, Mass., 1761, as the successor of llev. John Chandler in Whose 
use it was." 

On a fly leaf is the following memorandum of the Psalms sung 
on Thanksgiving Day, November, IToO. 

"Ps. 122 ; 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5. Ps. 79 ; 9, lo. Ps. 106 ; 1-6. 

This edition contains the music to be sung. There were numer- 
ous, editions of this work printed at Boston, the Kith in ITlo. 
20th in 1722, 24tli by James Franklin, brother of Dr. Benjamin 
Franklin, in 1737, and the 26th in 1744. In England there 
were printed at least eighteen editions and in Scotland twenty- 
two, the last having been printed in 1756. The !)th edition was 
printed at Cambridge in 1696. 

For more than a hundred ^ears after the work as revised and 
improved by Dunster and Lyon in 1650, there were no further 
alterations made till the collection was again revised l)v "ev. 
Thomas Prince, in the year 1 758. Mr. Prince began this revi- 
sion April 29, 1755, and completed the psalms the last of August. 
1756, and the other Scripture Songs, by the 2bth ol March 1757. 
The preface to tliis edition is dated Boston in N. IC. Mry '20, 1 75s. 
The work as revised 1)V Mr. Prince passed through seventy edi- 
tions, indicating a very extensive use in the American churches. 



For the purpose of comparison with other translations, I here 
iutrorluce the lo7th Psahu as revised by Dunster and Lyon. 

"13y water floods of Babylon there Jiave we sitten down : 
Yea there we mourned, when as we did Sion think upon. 
Our harps in midst of her we did hang willow trees among, 
For there they us who captive led required of us a song : 

Who laid us waste, askt mirth, sing us a Sion's song do ye. 

How in a land of strangers sing Jehovah's song shall we? 

0, thou Jerusalem, if I of thee forgetful be : 

Then let my right hand quite forget her own dexterity. 

If I thee mind not, let my tongue not from my palate move : 

If I set not Jerusalem my chiefest joy above." 

In "A Testimony To the order of the gospel, in the Churches 
of New-Kngland," by I\Ir. Iligginson* and Mr. Hubbard, f writ- 
ten about the year 17(K>, occurs the following sentence. '*lt is 
not yet forgot by some surviving ear-witnesses of it, that when 
the Synod, [in tlu' year 1()48.] had finished the Platform of 
Church Discipline, they did with an extraordinary elevation of 
soul and voice, then sing together, the song of Moses the servant 
of God, and the song of the Lamb, in the fifteenth chapter of the 
revelation : (4od forbid, that in the loss of that holy Discipline, 
there sliould be hereafter occasion to sing about breaking down 
the carved work of the houses of God, with axes and hammers; 
or take up the eiglitieth psalm for our lamentations." In the 
Bay Psalm Book, edition of 1(U7, a few spiritual songs were 
added ; it is evident therefore that the following are the stanzas 
which were sung l)v the Synod assemljled in Boston, more than 
230 years ago, as above referred to. 

"0 Lord, Almighty God thy works both great and wondrous be. 

Just King of saints, and true thy ways. Who shall not reverence thee, 

O Lord, and glorify thy name, for holy thou alone : 

For nations all shall worship thee, for judgments thine are known." 

° K(!V. John Higginson, son of f rancis Higginson, an English clergyman, who arrived in 
this countrj' June IG, 1629, was chosen first teacher of the church in Salem, with Sami:el 
Skelton pastor. John Iligginson was born in Claybrook, England, Aug. 6, 16U), died in Salem 
Mass. Dec. 9, 1708. aged 9! years. He. was settled over a congregation in Guilford, Conn, for 
a number of years, In 1()6) he was ordained pastor of the first Church in Salem, where he 
remained till the close of his life, having Ix'en 72 years in the ministry. 

t Rev William Hubbard, born m England in ir,2l, died in Ipswich, Mass., Sept. 14, 1704 
aged 8:? years. lie was graduated at Harvard College in 1642, ordained minister at Ipswich 
about lt)5ij where he continued during the remainder of his life. 



It was the design of these transhitors to produce a metrical ver- 
sion of the psalms tliat .should convey to the mind of the reader 
the exact meaning' of the text, though it were necessary to 
sacrifice all euphony for the sake of a literal translation. In this 
they succeeded beyond any who had before them attempted a 
metrical translation of the Psalms. Their work was highly es- 
teemed both in the colonies and the nnjther country, and large 
numbers of the revised editions were l)ound up with the Bii)le, a 
copy af which is in the family of one of our members. 

Though the Bay Psalm Book was almost the only one in use 
b3^ the New England Churches for nearly a hundred and fifty 
years from the settlement of the pilgrims on these shores, and 
large editions of the work were printed here and elsewhere, yet 
to-daj', but very few copies of the original edition can be foimd, 
and later issues as revised, are by no means common. The 
American Antiquarian Society possesses a copy of the edition of 
1640, at least so it is claimed by the oiMcers of that institution, 
and I so regard it, which is in good condition, except that the 
title page is wanting. Hood in his ''History of Music in New 
England" savs, ''the tn-enty ttevent/i edition may l)e seen in the 
Antiquarian Hall at Worcester, Mass. There is no date of the 
3'ear in which it was published, but it was proI)ably done between 
the years 1746 and 1750." I think Hood has made a mistake in 
supposing this cop}- to be one of the •27th edition, for all editions 
after 1650, had printed with the psalms, spiritual songs and 
hymns, while this copy has none. The text also appears to agree 
with selections that I have seen from either copies of the first 
edition. In a note b^- Isaiah Thomas. Sept. 20th, 1H20, found 
in this volume, he says, "After advertising for another copy of 
this book, and making enquiry in many places in New-England, 
&c. I was not able to obtain or even to hear of another. This 
copy is therefore invaluable, and must be preserved with the 
greatest care. It is in its original binding." There were, how- 
ever, other copies at that time though not generally known, and 
they are still extant. That Society has a copy of the re^ iscd 
edition of Dunster and Lyon, printed at Cambridge, Englantl, in 
1655, a small 16mo. which was originally bound uj) with a copy 
of the Scriptures from which Mr. Thomas took it. There may 
be seen also two other copies or more of the later (nlitions. 



/o 



There were five copies of tlie original worlv owned by Kev. 
Thomas Prince, w hich he kept in the steeple chamber of the Old 
South Meeting-house. Two copjps still remain in the Prince 
collection, now in custody of the Free l^ublic Librar}- in Boston. 
In 1<^<)U Dr. Nathaniel B. Shurtteff procured a copy Iw exchange 
with the deacons of the Old South Church, which after his death 
was sold to Mr. Sydney S. R^'der of Providence, R. I., for 
S102.J, and is now supposed to be in the library of the late John 
Carter Brown of that city. This copy once belonged to Rev. 
Richard ]Mather, and after his death to his son, Increase Mather. 
George Livermore of Cambridge and Edward A. Crowninshield 
of Boston, each secured a copy in the same manner — that of Mr. 
Livennorc still being retained by his widow ; the copy owned 1)V 
Mr. Crownisliield was sohl to Mr. Henry Stevens, of Vermont 
and London, who was the })urveyor for the British Museum in 
the collection of American Books, and this copy was reported to 
have been sold for that Institution for £1(10 ; but it was finally 
j)urcliased Ity the late (ieorge Brinley, of Hartford, and at the 
sale of his library in New York, passed into the hands of Mr. 
Cornelius Vandci-bilt of that city. This coj^y was superbly" 
bound by Bedford, of lA)ndou, and was inclosed in an elegant 
Solander case of blue ^lorocco. There is also an incomplete 
copy in the lilirary of Harvard College. It lacks the title page, 
part of the introduction and a few of the last leaves of the book. 
The pages are clean and in a good state of preservation. This 
first edition was printed by Stephen Dave, at Cambridge, Mass. 
in 1()4U, his lieing the only ju'css then in the Colonies. The 
aliove embraces all the copies of the first edition of which I have 
any knowledge, and it is very donl)tful whether any more are 
now extant. 

An exact reprint was pulilished in i'S(;2. by C. B. Richardson 
of New York, from the copy of Dr. Shurtleff with a preface liy 
liini. wlio :dso su]terintended the j)nblication of the work. 

I have now Mccoin[)lislied what I designed iiy giving an ac- 
count, so far as time and my researches will allow, of the hym- 
nology of the New England fathers, together v.ith some notes 
concerning the Sacred poetry of UKjre ancient times. This how- 
ever would lack far more of completeness if I should neglect 
some statements concerning the Psalms and Hymns of Dr. Isaac 



'6 



Watts, which took the place of the New England version, and, 
until within a tew years, were almost universalh" used where the 
English tongue is spoken, and even now, enter largely into all 
the compilations of the present day. The circumstances under 
which Dr. Watts, the ''great i)recentor of the immense choirs 
which he will forever lead," gave to the Church his first hymn, 
are peculiarly interesting. '-He complained to some official in 
the Independent Chui'ch of Southampton, of which his father 
was a deacon, that the hynmists of the day were sadly out of 
taste." ''Give us something better" was the reply. He wrote 
a new hymn, and the Church was invited to close its evening 
services by singing the following, now familiar lines : — 

"Behold the glories of the Lamb, amidst his father's throne ; 
Prepare new honors for his name, and songs before unknown." 

Dr. Watts was liorn in Southampton, England, -Inly 17. 1(574, 
and died in London, Nov. 25, 174H. In 1712 he went to live 
with Sir Thomas Abney, an Alderman of London, in whose family 
he remained as a guest throughout the rest of his life, a period of 
36 \'ears. His "Psalms of David imitated in the language of the 
New Testament and apply'd to the Chi-istian state and Worship" 
were first published in 1711). In the preface, dated Dec. 1, 
1716, occurs the following on the use of the Psalm Book. 

"The chief Design of this Work was to improve Psalmody or 
Religious Singing, and to encourage the frequent Practice of it in 
publick Assemblies and private Families, with more Honour and 
Delight : ^yet the Author hopes the Reading of it may also Enter- 
tain the Parlour and the Closet with devout Pleasure and holy 
Meditations. Therefore he would request his Readers at proper 
Seasons to peruse it through ; and among 340 Sacred Hymns they 
may find out several that suit their own Case and Temper, or the 
Circumstances of their Families and Friends ; they may teach 
their Children such as are pro|)er for their Age, anil by training 
them in their Memory they may be furnished for pious Retire- 
ment, or may entertain their Friends with holy iNIelody." Some 
directions are also given for the proper singing of the psalms 
whi(;h would l)e useful, if regar<led at the present day. The edi- 
tion from which I have made the above quotation was printed in 
Boston, by D, and J. Kneeland, in 1761, and is owned by the 
Rev George Allen who kindly loaned it to me for the purpose. 



The first coniplett' c'()lle('li()n of the works of Dr. Watts was 
])ul)l!^he(l l>y Drs. Jeuiiiiiiis and Doddridge in (5 voluiiies, Ito.. 
London. 17") J, and his l)i()orai)liy l)y Dr. Johnson is inelnded in 
tlic "Lives ol'tlie I'oets." The editions of his i)salnis and liyinns 
;ire iiinunuTalile and it is estimjxtod tliat ;")(),()()U eopies were sold 
annunlly in Knuland and t!ie United States for a long i)eri<)d of 
years. In tlieir devotional spirit they liave never 1»een suri)assed 
1)V any writer. anei(Mit or modern, and the most of them are ex- 
cellent models of saered poetry. Twelve of the Psalms, viz : the 
•2S. 4o, r)2. i)A, 59. G4. 70, 7!». SS, 108, 137 and 140th do not 
ajtijcar to have been versified 1)V V>'atts, hnt in some collections 
of Psalmody these have been snpplied i)y president Dwight, Joel 
IJarlow and others. The familiar hymn, '*! love thy Kingdom 
Li>r;!," was wiilten liy Dwight and is a i)araphrase of the i;>7th 
Psiilm in >\\i>r{ metre. 

Some of the hyums of Dr. Watts may l)e objected to as ap- 
pearinii' vindictive in their character and partaking too strongly 
of the spec;i!ative. doginatii- theology of his time. Bnt it must 
not Ih' forgolten that these hymns were written at a period when 
the dixincs were accustomed to speak more plainly than now 
concerning the great truths of which they were the advocates and 
defenders, and the people would then receive their statements 
with submissive wills, not re(]nii'ing the "•polishing of God's 
altars." The following hymn of Dr. Watts, No. 44 Book IL, 
I suppose wouUl hardly lind a place to-day in any new collection 
for general use. 

" U'ith holy fear, and humble song, the dreadful God our souls adore ; 

lleverencL' and awe beeome the tongue, that speaks the terrors of his power. 
Far in the deep, where darkness dwells, the land of horror and despair, — 

Justiee has built a dismal hell, and laid her stores of vengeance there. 

Eternal plagues and heavy chains, tormenting racks and tiery coals, — 
And darts to inflict immortal pains, dyed in the blood of damned souls. 

There Satan, the tirst sinner, lies, iind ro;irs, and bites his iron bands ; 
In vain the rebel strives to rise, cruslied with the weight of both thy hands. 

There guilty ghosts of Adam's race shriek otU, and howl beneath thy rod; 

Once they could scorn a Saviour's grace, Init they incensed a drcadfid (Jod. 
'I'remble, my soul, and kiss the Son : sinner, obey thy Saviour's call ; 

Else your damnation hastens on and hell gapes wide to wait your fall." 



78 



The following is perhaps better adapted to, the spirit of the 
times and serves to show that Watts, though severe as well as 
graphic in his description of the "damned soids," possessed also 
a tender heart, and a consciousness of God's compassion for the 
children of his love. 

"My soul, repeat His praise, whose mercies are so great : 

Whose anger is so slow to rise, so ready to abate. 
The pity of the Lord, to those that fear his name, 

Is such as tender parents feel ; he knows our feeble frame. 

Oiu- days are as the grass, or like the morning flower ; 

If one sharp blast sweep o'er the field, it withers in an hour. 
But thy compassions. Lord, to endless years endure ; 

And children's children ever find thy words of jiromise sure." 

Bat it seems superiinous and entirely out of i)laee for mo to 
sa_y anything concerning the character of the lyrics of Dr. Watts, 
so familiar to all, some of which, most of those pi'esent have 
doubtless learned while the infant tongue proclaimed its Maker's 
praise. 

The first American edition of Dr. "Watts' version of tlie Psalms 
was printed at Philadelphia in 1741, by Dr. Franklin. Watts be- 
ing one of his favorite authors. Another edition appeared in 
Boston, about the same time and also an edition of Tate and 
Brad}'. These works gradually superceded the Bay Psalm Book, 
but at what time Watts' psalms were first used in the Colonial 
churches I am unable to determine. It is possible that they 
fouund their way here l)efore the publication of an American 
edition, for the opinion of Dr. Cotton Mather concerning the 
work was asked ])v Dr. Watts, who sent to him specimen cop- 
ies of some of his hymns, and from that distinguished writer and 
theologian he received encouragement in his undertaking. It is 
not probable however that these psalms and hymns came into 
general use till after the Revolution. Dr. Prince's revision ha\ - 
ing been made in 1758, and passed through many editions, his 
work must have been generally used in the American churches 
for a number of years. But Dr. Watts' psalms and hymns event- 
ually took the place of the New England Version, to which the 
churches had become strongly attached, by its use for a hundred 
and fift}' 3'ears, so that the change could not be made without 



'9 



much controversy, and, in too many cases, great bitterness of 
feeling" existed. Wlien once brouglit into general use, they be- 
came as much tin; i'avoritcs of the churclies as liad tliose in use 
before them, and liave ever since Iteld theii' ()lace in tlie esteem 
and atfections of the people. No others liave been so universally 
used !)y a!! denominations of Christians as those of Dr. Watts. 
Other writei's have rendered important service to the churches 
])y their sacred poetry, among Avliom may be mentioned, the 
AVesleys, Addison and Montgomery, and many others, but it is 
not my pur[;'03e to extend this paper by giving an}- particular 
account of these writers and their liynnis. I cannot ho\v(;ver, 
neglect giving a single selection from James Montgomery, who is 
admitted to have been one of the best religious poets of his time, 
and whose desci'iption of the "rNlan of Sorrows," as well also, the 
the true lesson of charity, has never been sur[)assed in beauty of 
expression and pathetic sentiment, in fact in its complete por- 
traiture. — th'j admiration of all whose hearts are susceptible of 
true sympathy and tender emotion, and the favorite poem of the 
lionoretl president of this Society. Upon the retirement of Mont- 
gomery from the editorial profession in bs2."), his friends gave 
him a public dinner at Slieliield, and ui)on tliis occasion he mod- 
estly spoke of his literary career. He said, ••! sang of war — 
but it was the war of freedom, in which death was preferred to 
chains. I sang tlie Abolition of the Slave Trade, — and of the 
love of home. I sang the love which man ouglit to bear towards 
Ins lirother, of every kindred, and country, and clime upon earth. 
I sang the love of virtue, which elevates man to his true standard 
under heaven ; I sang. too. the love of God, who ('.s- love." 

The selection that I have made and which follows, is entitled 
in his collected poems, "'The /StraiKjcr <(iid hia Friend." 

"A poor wayfiirin;^ Man of grief hiith often cross'd me on my way, 
Who sujcl so humbly for relief, that I could never answer "Nay :" 

I had not power to ask his name, whither he went, or whence he came, 
Yet WHS there somethin;^ in his eye that \\'on my love, I knew not ■why. 

Once, when my scanty meal was spread he entcr'd ; — not a word he spalvc ; — 
Just perishing for want of bread ; I gave him all ; he bless'd it, brake. 

And ate, — but gave me part again; mine was an Angel's portion then. 
For while I fed with eager haste, that crust was manna to mv taste. 



80 



1 ,>ioic4 him, -where a fountain tnirst clear from tlic roek ; his stren'j;th '.vas gone ; 

The heedless water nioek'd his thirst, he heard it, saw it hurryini; on: 
I ran to raise the sufferei' up ; thrice from the stream he drain'd my cup, 

Dipt, and return'd it running o'er; I dr.inlv, and ne\er thirsted more. 

'T was night ; the floods were out ; it blew a winter hurricane aloof; 

I heard his voice abroad, and tlew to bid him welcome to my roof; 
I warm'd I clothed, I cheer'd my guest, laid him on my oivn couch to rest; 

Then made the hearth my bed, and seem'd in Eden's garden when I dream'd. 

Stript, wounded, beaten, nigh to death, I found h'm by the highway- side: 
I roused his i^ulse, brought back his breath, revived his spirit, and .supplied 

Wine, oil, refreshment; he was healed; — I had myself a wound eonceal'd; 
But from that hour forgot the smart, and Peace bound up my broken heart. 

In prison I saw him ne.vc, eondenin'd to meet a traitor's doom at morn ; 
The tide of lying tongues I stennn'd, and honor'd him 'midst shame and scorn : 
My friendship's utmost zeal to try, he ask'd if I for him would die; 
The fiesh m'us weak, my blood ran chill, but the free spirit cried, "I will." — 

Then in a moment to my view the Stranger darted from disguise; 
The tokens in his hands I knev.-, my Saviour stood before mine eyes : 
He sjiake ; ajid my paorname lie named ; ''Of me tliou hast not been ashamed : 
These deeds shall thy mmiiorial be; fear not, thou didst them unto Me." 

I desire also to introduce the following lines, I»y an unknown 
author, upon rite death of a little child, whicli. interesting in 
themselves, are dee[)l_v so to nie. aii.l will doubtless find a re- 
sponse in the hearts of others present who may have licen called 
to part with their own o.Tsprini;; while yet in tlie tender age of 
infancy. 

"Wait! my little one, wait ! when you get to the beautiful land; 

Tarry a little, my darling, ere you join the heavenly band. 

Stand close to the shining gates of pearl, look out on the narrow wa}-. 

For I want the first glance of my heaven-born sight on my little baby to stray. 

Wait! my little one, wait! when you reach the courts above; 
Look down with the light of thy beautiful eyes on those that you used to love. 
Whisper sweet dreams in our earthly cars when we lie down to sleep ; 
Paint bright pictures before our eyes when we awaken to weep. 

Wait! my little one, wait! when you reach the cel<>stial strand. 
For thy mother may be toiling up to the hights of the better land. 
For years that fall like molten lead on the hearts this side of the sea. 
Will pass like the light of a beautiful dream, my little babe, o'er thee." 



81 



Tlie psalms and hymns cff Dr. Watts have been the comfort 
and soUice of persons in all stations of life, from the hnmblest 
oliseure saint to the most jiifted scholar or statesman that our 
countrv lias honored and ]ove<l. liufus Choate, the eminent ad- 
vocate. cDiild turn from the law and pursuit of earthly titles, and 
sinii" with (Unout atieetion his favorite hymn: — 

'•When I can lead my title clear to mansions in the skies, 
I bid farewell to every fear, and wipe my weeping eyes. 

Shoukl earth against my soul engage, and hellish darts be hurl'd ; 
Then I can smile at Satan's rage, and face a frowning Avorld. 

Let cares like a wild deluge come, and storms of sorrow fall ; 

May I but safely reach my home, my God, my heaven, my all : — 
There shall I bathe my weary soul in seas of heavenly rest ; 

And not a wave of trouble roll across my peaceful breast." 

•lolm Quiney Adams, burdened with the cares of State, or in 
retirement aniono- his classic loiv. could raise his thoughts from 
all these earthly concerns and in the hvmn of his choice would 

"ILiw beauteous are their feet, who stand on Zion's hill ! 

Who bring salvation on their tongues, and words of peace reveal! 
llow charming is their voice I how sweet the tidings are! 

Zion behold thy Saviour — King, he reigns and triumphs here ! 

How happy are our ears, that hear this joyful sound! — 

\\"hich kings and prcjphets waited for, and sought, but never found I 

How blessed are our eyes that see this heavenly light ! 

Prophets and kings dusird it long, but dy'd without the sight ! 

The watchmen join their voice, and tuneful notes employ ; 

Jerusalem breaks forth in songs, and deserts learn the joy. 
The Lord makes bare his arm, through all the earth abroad ; 

Let ev'ry nation now behold their Saviour and their iiod." 

And the immortal Webster, devout in liis very nature, stand- 
ing among his native mountains, while leaving all meaner things 
below, could utter with the profoundest reverence and with the 
deepest sympathies of his great heart, the Ibllowing favorite 
lines from Watts : — 

"Up to the hills I lift mine eyes, th' eternal hills beyond the skies; 

'I'hence all her help my soul derives : there my almighty refuge lives. 
lie lives ! the everlasting God, who built the world, who spread the flood ; 

The heavens with all their hosts he made, and the dark regions of the dead ! 



82 

He guides our feet, he guards our -way ; his morning smiles bless all the day ; 

He spreads the cv'ning veil, and keeps the silent hours while Israel sleeps. 
Israel, a name divinely blest, may rise secure, securely rest; 

Thy holy Guardian's wakeful eyes admit no slumber or surprise. 

No sun shall smite thy head by day ; nor the pale moon, with sickly ray, 
Shall blast thy couch ; no baleful star dart his malignant fire so far. 

Should earth and hell with malice burn, still thou shalt go, and still return. 
Safe in the Lord ; his heavenly care defends thy life from cv'ry snare. 

On thee foul spirits have no power; and, in thy last departing hour. 
Angels, who trace the airy road, shall bear thee homeward to thy God." 

Enough has been .said, I think, to show something of the em- 
inent character and spirit of devotion whicli the writers of om- 
sacred poetr}- in times past possessed ; and the legacy wliieh 
each in turn left to those who should come after them, has been 
of inestimable value in directing and shaping the moral and re- 
ligions character of the generations that have followed. .1 cannot 
perhaps more (ittiugly conchule the rctiding of this paper, than 
by quoting from oueof the modern i)oets of another land, Iloratius 
Bonar, of Christian fame : — 

"Beyond the smiling and the weeping I shall be soon ; 
Beyond the waking and the sleeping, beyond the sowing and the reaping, 
I shall be soon. Love, rest, and home ! sweet home ! 
Lord, tarry not, but come. 

Beyond the blooming and the fading I shall be soon ; 
Beyond the shining and the shading, beyond the hoping and the dreading, 
I shall be soon. Love, rest, and home ! sweet home ! 
Lord, tarry not, but come. 

Beyond the rising and the setting I shall be soon ; 
Beyond the calming and the fretting, beyond remembering and forgetting, 
I shall be soon. liOve, rest, and home ! sweet home ! 
Lord, tarry not, but come. 

Beyond the parting and the meeting I shall be soon ; 

Beyond the farewell and the greetiing, beyond the pulse's fever beating, 

I shall be soon. Love, rest, and home! sweet home! 

Lord, tarry not, but come. 

Beyond the frost-chain and the fever I shall be soon ; 
Beyond the rock-waste and the river, beyond the ever and the never, 
I shall be soon. Love, rest, and home! sweet home! 
Lord, tarrv not, but come." 



83 
DEPARTMENT REPORTS. 



REPORT ON ARCHEOLOGY AND GENERAL HISTORY. 

This Department has continued during the present year under 
substantially tlie same arrangement as that of hist \-ear. As was 
intimated in the Keport previous to this, little can be here done 
in the way of direct investigation until our Society becomes strong 
enough to furnish su!licient means for such a purpose. When the 
time conies that this aid is extended, we may expect large results 
to follow, and may hope to have long repoits from our own work- 
ers ; til! then w(^ shall have to depend for the material which 
makes up our annual I'eport entirely on the researches of others. 
Fortunately the laborers in the field are now numerous so that 
we liave ample opportunity* for selection. 

On the banks of the Nile ;uid the Euphrates, in Asia Tvlinor, 
(Greece and Italy, as well as in various other parts of the old 
world, distinguished scholars are busil}' engaged, struggling to 
rescue from oblivion some memorials of the past. They pursue 
their work indcfatigaldy. and are generally undaunted b}' ob- 
stacles ; for most of them have royal arms and royal treasure to 
back them. ])eing under the patronage of some regal government. 
It is not so' much, however, to the discoveries of these Eastern 
savants that attention is here directed as it is to the results of 
like researches on this side the ocean. Here too archieology has 
its votaries, and here als(j are fu'lds for discovery not less fertile 
than any the other hemisphere can boast. Of this the works of 
Brasseur de Ijourijourg, Oatlin, Hubert Bancroft, W. A. Bell and 
a host of other investigators bear aliundant testimony. 

In my i-e[)ort of last year allusion was made to the discovery 
by Dr. Hnbel. ol" some hnely sculptured slabs in Gautemala. 
Dr. ]Iabi>l has made a carelul study of these scul[)tures, compar- 
ing them with oilier specimens of eai'ly art found in ditlerent 
parts <^f the wchLI. and gives the result of his lal)ors in a [lam- 
plilet issueil liy the Sniilhsoniaii Institution a few months ago. 



84 

In the course of his de.scn[)tioii he uses this very sijiuiricaut lan- 
ajuago : ''These sculptures (^1" Santa Lucia Casunialhuaiia are to 
lue the most iuterestiuo- of the kind that have been preserved of 
the ancient inhabitants of America, fui'iiishini>- as they do un- 
e(iui\oca! proof ol" tlie ad\anced cnltiii'e t(j whicli tlieir construct- 
ors had attained." Such sentences as this will not Ibrm pleasant 
readiuij; for those constitutional sceptics and pseudo-archivologists 
who make it a business to decry everything tlial liespcaks any 
degree of civilization or retinement for the early American races. 
It is much to be hoped that Dr. llabjl will continue his research- 
es with as great success in the future as in the past. 

Rev. Stephen Bowers, whose explorations in Southern Cali- 
fornia were also noticed in my previous report, has published an 
account of his discoveries. The examination which he made of 
certain Indian burial places was productive of some lemarkable 
results, the most noteworthy of which was the tinding of exact 
duplicites of the stone implements lignred in Dr. Schlieman's 
Mycenae. It can hardly Iji' claimed that this amounts to con- 
vincing proof of an allinity between the early inhabitants of 
Greece and those of C'aliibrnia. but it at least affords a remark- 
able instance of the bent of men'.- minds in the same direction as 
far back as the Stone Age. 

In connection with the above should be mentioned the recent 
discover}' in a mound in IMuscatine county, Iowa, of two pipes 
representing respectively an animal like a bear and an elephant 
without tusks. Of course there is nothing strange in the fact 
that the first of these animals api)ears. but the second strikes us 
with surprise, not to say amazement, \\here did the designer 
get his model for this sul)ject':' Was the ele[)hant contempora- 
neous with the ]\I<»und-builder in the Northwest? or was the 
Mastodon not yet extinct and the re[)resentation an attempt to 
imitate him? or, still further, had the artist derived his idea from 
the distant East, or tVom observations made in his own wander- 
in^s? These questions nuisi remain unanswered, for the JNIound- 
builder has disappeared, and left nothing behind to tell his story. 

Some curious information as to the character of the ancient 
inhabitants of Florida has lately been developed by Lieut. A. W . 
Vogeles, U. S. A., who has devoted considerable time to explor- 
ations in that locality, lie opened a number of shell mounds in 



85 

Western f'loriila, and Ibuml man}' human bones, the larger of 
which were charred and split, particularly the marrow bones, 
this seeming to show that the people were cannibals. The fire- 
places where the cooking was- done were found on digging into 
the sides of the mound, and from their ashes were taken split 
human b()n(>s together with those of animals. It is not pleasant 
to think that a race of man-eaters once occupied a part of our 
national domain, but such would appear to be the well attested 
fact. The knowledge of this, however, need not completely hu- 
miliate ns. for altliough some of our predecessors here ma}' have 
been cannil)als, there is at least no evidence to show that they 
had a fondness for eating their parents and other near relatives, 
a'^ was the case with the original inhabitants of some parts of 
the Old AVorld. 

It is a matter of congratulation to students of American ar- 
ch:^ology that an exhaustive work on American Indian Mythol- 
ogy is l)eing prepared, and will soon be published. Its authors 
are Major I'owell. Col. (Jarrick 3Iallery and Mrs. A. R. Marsine, 
persons well fitted for the task, and who have spared no pains 
to make their work accurate and complete. 

The foregoing instances of arch;^ological investigation have 
been given chiefiy to show, in some degree, how great is the in- 
terest in that subject in this i)art of the world. This interest is 
rapidly increasing, nearly every state in the Union now having 
one or m<uv societies organized for the purpose of initiating and 
carrying on antiquarian research ; in addition to which should be 
mentioned tlie labors of various individual workers in almost 
every section oi' the coiaitry. It is to be hoped that our own 
society will ere long lie in a position to exert an influence in this 
direction. It should be remembered that the scope of this De- 
partment includes general history as well as archaeology. But 
little has heretofore been done in relation to the former of these 
t)ranches other than the addition to the Library, at different 
times, of sundry historical works. There is, however, one di- 
rection in which I think work might be pressed more vigoroush', 
and that is the line of political history. Large collections of 
material Ijcaring on this subject could be made with little effort. 
Several members have already interested themselves in the mat- 
ter. l)ringing in enough documents to form a nucleus, and if the 



86 



rest would only I'ullow their example we should soon have in our 
possession a mass of political literature the like of which is owned 
1)3' no other society. We are happih* situated for undertaking a 
work of this sort. Worcester has been in the past, as it prob- 
ably will be in the future, the centre of [)olitical action in this 
state. It used to be known as "•the hot-bed of radicalism," and 
it well earned its title. That it was the home of those great 
apostles of Liberty, Isaiah Thomas and Charles Allen, is sutlici- 
ent proof of its character. A complete set of the political pam- 
phlets issued from Worcester alone during the last hundred years 
would be a treasure in itself. How much more valuable would 
be such a collection gathered from all i)arts of the state, or, still 
further from the whole countr}' ! I trust that members will not 
neglect the opportunit}' presented them of increasing the Society's 
library b}- gifts of this sort. These documents are- the easiest 
obtained of any that one would be likely to look after, in fact 
one does not have to look after them at all when they are lirst 
issued ; they then usually come entirely unsought. It is only 
when they become rare and valuable that there is demand for 
them. Let, therefore, every political pap.er, however worthless 
it ma\' appear, be saved and added to the general collection ; it 
will grow in value with advancing time, and the Society will be 
all the richer for it. 

CHARLES R. JOHNSON, Chairman. 



REPORT ON LOCAL HISTORY AND GENEALOGY. 



It is [XMiiaps ocnorally well understood, especially among the 
nieuil^ers ol'tliis Society, that the Department of Local History 
and iieneaioiiy has to deal with the records of men, corporations, 
societies, institutions and organizations of every kind, buildings 
new and ohl, as well as the highway's and l)y-ways of Worcester. 
Every existing monoment should receive our attention. 

As we glance backward oxqv the year that has passed since 
our last report, and observe the changes that have taken place, 
how prounnentl}' the fact comes to our notice, that among )ne)i. 
do we find the greatest number of innovations. Much as time 
may seem to deface the monuments of our early settlement, as 
we see the (juaint old buildings gradually crumbling to fragments, 
or removed to give place to more modei'n styles of structure, our 
ancient lanes worked into broad and level avenues, for all this is 
noticable, no more striking fact is worthy of our consideration 
than the loss we and the community around us sustain bj- the 
death of intluential, honest, trustworthy men. Some have re- 
cently passed away who began their lives and usefulness in Wor- 
cester County, and have lieen identified with the growth and de- 
velopment of our cit}', manfully withstanding for a half century 
the test of life in its various forms, always representing char- 
acter and principle. Such men are towers of strength in the 
community where they reside, beacon lights to guide and stimu- 
late young men to true and noble deeds, and make history wor- 
thy of preservation. Every A'ear some of these grand old mon- 
uments with locks whitened by the frosts of many winters, are 
stricken to the ground, and their life of activity closed ; but the 
intiuence of a well-spent life continues on, adding its mite for the 
purpose of shaping the lives and actions of others. I am pleased 
to notice that deaths among the old settlers have not been as 
numerous during the past year as tlie^' were the one previous ; 
and that we ma}' have our record as complete as possible, I have 
introduced in this report the names of some persons who were 
once active, and prominent men in Worcester, Init Avho afterwards 
made other homes, and died in distant places. 



88 



Hon. Maturin L. Fisher died Feb., 1879, at Farmersburg, 
Iowa. He was a son of Rev. Lewis Fisher, of Danville Vt., and 
born in that town ; a graduate of Brown University in the t-lass 
of 1828. Studied law with the Hon. Isaac Davis, admitted to 
the bar in 1831. He practiced his profession in Worcester for 
man}' 3'ears, and at the death of Mr. Chi-istopher C Baldwin he 
succeeded him in the office of Librarian of the American Anti- 
quarian Societ}', performing the duties of that office several 
years. He was Postmaster of Worcester for ten years, bogin- 
ing with 1839. While here he took an active part in political 
affairs. After making his home in Iowa he filled many promi- 
nent pubhc places, including that of State Senator from IHirl to 
1856. 

On the 14th day of April last, IMr. Windsor Howe died in the 
town of Bolton, at the extraordinary age of 102 vears 8 months 
and 14 days. Mr. Howe was a native of Marlboro, liorn July 
31st, 177(J. In 1791 he came to Worcester to learn the saddler's 
trade, and continued working at that l)usiness here some seven 
3'ears. During the war of 1 Hi 2 he enlisted for one year, and 
was in charge of the toll-gate on the old Worcester Turnpike 011 
the Sabbath day when Col. Tuttle passed through with 700 men 
on his wa}' from Westboro to Worcester. 

Mr. Parley Holman of Cherry Valley, (Leicester) died May 
19th. He was a very quiet, unassuming man, receiving full con- 
fidence of the entire connnnnity in which he lived, and was held 
in high regard for his firmness for the right and his de-\otiou to 
principle. 

The death of Rev. Moses G. Grosvenor occurred at his home 
in this city, July 24th. He was son of Rev. Daniel (irosvenor 
of Grafton, liorn in 1796, a graduate of Dartmouth College, class 
of 1818. 

Clough R. Miles Esq., of Grantville. died July 3()th. He was 
formerly a resident of Milll)nry. and one of the oldest members 
of the Worcester Bar, a graduate of Harvard, class of 1817. 

We next have to record the death of our respected townsman. 
Anthony Chnse Esq., which occurred at his residence in tliis 
city, August 4th. For more than sixty years Mr. Chase had 
been one of the active l)usiness men of Worcester, always 



89 

respected, and cnjoyiiii? the full confidence of his fellow towns- 
uicn. He was born in the town of Paxton, June Kith, 1791, 
and in the sunnner of 1S1(], at ^le age of 25, came to Worcester 
and Itegan life as a Merchant in com]_)pny.with his brother-in-law, 
the lion. John ^Milton Eai-le. - In lH2o Mr. Karle l)ecanie editor 
of the Massacha.-ietts Sj)i/, and for several years Mr. Chase was 
interested with him in the publication of tliat paper. After hav- 
ing been associated with Mr. Earle about twelve 3'ears, he, in 
1^'2<S became the first agent at Worcester of the Blackstone 
Canal. In 1^31 he was elected Count}' Treasurer, serving in 
that capacit}- 34 years. He was for 20 ^-ears previous to 1852, 
Secretary of the Worcester [Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and 
President of that company from that date until his decease. He 
was one of the corporate members of the Central Bank in 1828 ; 
first secretary of tlie ^^'orc?ster Lyceum and Library Association, 
and also of the \V(^rcester County Mechanics' Association; for 
many years a Director in the Citizens' Bank, and Vice President 
of the V\'orcester Institution for savings. ^Ir. Chase was often 
called upon to occupy places of honor and trust, never betraying 
the confidence reposed in him, always zealous for truth and in- 
tegrity in whatever station he found himself, a genial, unselfish 
man. an honored and useful citizen. 

August lOth. another prominent Imsiness man. a Worcester 
mechanic, Mr. Joel W. Upham, a near neighl)or to Mr. Chase, 
was called to lay aside his usefulness. Mr. Upham was a native 
of Brookfield, but for many years engaged in the manufacture of 
water-wheels in this city, and by his improA'ements in them gain- 
ed a valual)le reputation for his work throughout New England. 

Oct. 30th, our citizens were startled by the announcement of 
Ihe sudden death of Charles A. Hamilton Esq., he having died 
early that morning. He was a native of Worcester, born Mav' 
11, l'S05, and began life as clerk, 1821, in the bookstore of the 
late George A. Trumbull. In 1.S23 he went to Boston as a clerk, 
but the year following returned and assumed the duties as clerk 
in his fjither's store, becoming a partner with him in the Imsiness 
in 1>!2^!. The year 1.S2'.) found him employed in the oiliceof the 
clerk of the Courts. He was made Deputy Sheriff in 1.S30, hol- 
<lin2 the oiiice for three vears, and he was Town Treasurer from 



90 



1S31 to 1833. At the organization of tlie Quinsigamond Bank, 
March 25, 1833, Mr. Hamilton was made its Cashier, which 
office he retained until Oct. G, 1853. He was Town Clerk from 
183G to 1848, when the city was organized, and he was chosen 
the first Cit}' Clerk, resigning the ollice in March 1855. Mr. 
Hamilton was elected Treasurer of the Worcester County Insti- 
tution for Savings in October, 1853, and he faithfully performed 
the duties of that office until his death. For the past few ^-ears 
some little notice has l)een taken of his sharj) and rather harsh 
way of receiving an<l addressing pooi)le who came to transact 
Inisiness with him. But this had undoubtedly grown upon him 
through long years of hard service and close confinement at his 
post of duty, and it would be exceedingly diilicult to find, within 
the history' of Worcester, a man who has occupied so many re- 
sponsible positions in public as well as in active business life, 
with such general acceptance, such marked integrity, such gen- 
uine consecration lo duty, as Mr. Charles A. Hamilt<u). I will 
not wear}' you with a recitation of all the offices of trust and re- 
sponsibility that were thrust upon him, only adding a few to 
those already' mentioned. He was Notary rublic from 1835 to 
1839, Justice of the Peace for 20 years from 1.S44, chosen a Dea- 
con in the Second Parish in 1847, and was an active worker in 
its Sunday School, made a life member of the American Unita- 
rian Association in 1851 . Mr. Hamilton joined the "Worcester 
Light Infantry as earh' as 1821, made Corpora! in 1-S22, Ser- 
geant and Clerk in 1824, chosen Lieutenant in 182(), and Captain 
in 182<S, receiving an honoralile discharge tVom the corps in 1x31 . 
He was the oldest survivor of the organization, always active in 
the interest of the cor[)S, and at the organization of the ^'etera!) 
Association was chosen its first president. 



During the past eight or ten j^ears, many of our citizens have 
been more or less interested in the matter of extending Foster 
street, and I have compiled a few facts relating to that subject, 
which it was thought best to introduce into this re[)ort. 



91 

The liistory oC tlic extension of Foster street properly inelndes 
certain changes made in (he locations of railroad tracks and pass- 
enger stations in the city, and it wonld be an incomplete and an 
unjust record were we to leavQ out that [)ortion of our narative. 
The Old Foster street Station, so ■long' the terminus of the Bos- 
ton and V/orcester Kailroad had IcMig been cherished by the citi- 
zens of Worcester. Jt was theii' lirst Haili'oad Depot, the most 
accessible, and seemed by its central location to exactly' meet the 
wants of the local [)atrons of the Railroads, and an effort was 
nia<le in bsll) by the several railnxid cor[)orations to have here 
a Union I'assenger Station, the Boston and Worcester, Worces- 
ter and Naslnui and Norwich and Worcester Railroad companies 
acceding to t]\c arrangement. T^'hus matters stood until alter 
the consolidation of the Boston and Worcester and W^estern into 
the Boston and Albany Bailroad Corporation in lisoy. Then the 
wise and frugal maniigers of that road began to look for a point 
where a saving might be made in their (sxpenditures, and tlieir 
eyes fell upon the Old Foster street Depot, and about two yeai's 
after tlie consolidation they [)resented a [)etition to the Legisla- 
tiu'e, asking to be permitted to abandon that station, the accom- 
iiiodatious at Washington Sijuart' IxMng, as the}' thought, sutlici- 
ent to meet the wants of the travelling [)ul)lic. The other inter- 
ested railroad corporations, assisted b}' many of the citizens, 
[)resented a remonstrance against such a serious change in mat- 
ters so vital to their interests. The result of this movement was 
the passage of an act entitled ''An Act in relation to Ihiion 
I'assenger and Freight Depots in Worcester." This Act which 
was ap[)roved IMay 10, l.s{;9, virtually gave all the Railroad 
Companies then entering the city the right to arrange for, and 
construct such I'nion rassenger and Freight Depots as they 
among themselves might agree upon ; and also to discontinue 
such stations and tracks as in their judgment they might think 
best. For two years the acting agents of the several roads held 
meetings at which plans foi' entering all the r(^)ads in a common 
center were presente<l and thoroughly studied, but no definite 
arrangement was adoi>ted. In the mean time there had been 
devel()[)ing a feeling among our citizens to have tlu; Railroad 
tracks removed from the Old Common. 



92 

Numerous petitions had been circulated aliout tlie city, receiv- . 
ing without hesitation the name of ahn(jst every person accosted, 
for no one with the avarage amount of intelligent could tail to 
see that the passage of numerous raih-oad trains across two of 
our principal streets, and often at a time of the day when public 
travel would be most interfered with, was a most serious incon- 
venience, and that some steps should be taken to obtain relief 
from such a common nuisance. The INIayor and Aldermen in 
obedience to a petition, caused an article to be \)nt into the War- 
rant, asking for an expression of opinion IVom the citizens re- 
garding the removal of those tracks from the streets in question, 
and at the election of city officers, in December, l-STO, two thou- 
sand three hundred and thirty votes were cast in favor of the re- 
moval. Armed with this authority, the city fathers took the 
matter seriously in hand, and in IsTl petitioned the (leneral 
Court for the removal of the railroad tracks from the ommon 
and certain streets of Worcestei-. Whether this was intended 
as the initiatory step to compel the removal of the Foster street 
station, I cannot say, but to some it might seem so. Tliis was 
the beginning of a grand struggle. The ))etition was in due 
course referred to the Committee on Kaiiways, the same lieing 
composed of such men as Hon. John E. Sanford, Hon. Charles 
F. Adams, Hon. Frank Bird, Dr. Samuel G. Howe and others, 
who, on the 21st da}' of March, 1<S71, granted the parties in in- 
terest a hearing which lasted foui- or live days. Signers to the 
remonstrance were numerous, numbering nearly n thousand, and 
it was claimed by some that they i)aid annually, taxes to the 
amount of one hundred thousand dolUirs. Strong opposition to 
the petition was presented at this hearing from citizens residing 
in towns along the several railroad routes leading to and from 
our cit}'. Hundreds of Worcester people, both fi lends and foes 
of the scheme, were in daily attendance. Five of the most able 
lawyers in Worcester County, and two from Boston, wei'c en- 
gaged in the case, the cit}' of Worcester i)aying for the services 
of three of them. It was a civil contest of no nienn proportions, 
each advocate being nerved to do his best. ;ind marked ability 
was displayed on all sides. Perhaps never within the the i)ast 
history' of Worcester can there be found an instance where so 
much legal talent Avas concentrated on one case. 



93 

The late Mayor, Edward Earle, was present to look after the 
city's interest. The Boston and Albany Railroad was represent- 
ed by its president, vice president and soHcitor, eager to offer 
additional strength and argument for securing a release from the 
maintenance of the Foster streefStafion, and to protect their in- 
terest in the bill passed for their benetit in 1<SG1). There was 
another part}' present of considerable strength, and b}' far the 
most numerous, perhaps outnumbering all the rest, who was 
desirous that Foster street Station should be retained, the lat- 
ter [)resented a strong front and made a vigorous and manly 
light but were ol)liged to succumb, owing mainl}' to the superior 
giouud held by the sharp shooters among the petitioners. The 
H()st(jn and Albany Kailroad wielded a powerful battery, while 
among their allies wore men who exercised herculean power among 
members of the Legislature as well as in the city government. 
While the contest was fiercely raging the trumpet sounded and 
a [)arley was held by some of the leaders at which concessions 
were agreed upon developing into a section which appeared in the 
I)ill that was passed by the General Court compelling the city to 
extend Foster street from Norwich street to Washington Square, 
and maintain railroad tracks in the same, for the accommodation 
(A' the business firms then being accommodated b}- the Boston 
and All)any Railroad Company. With this compromise, the land 
owners in the vicinity of the Foster street Station quietl}' with- 
drew from the contest, which seriously impaired the strength of 
the remonstrants, and tliereu[)()n the hearing was closed. 

As a relic of that interesting cohxjuy, we have the Act under 
Cliapt. y43 of the Laws of 1<S71, entitled '"an Act to pi'ovide for 
a Union l\assengcr Station and for the removal of Railroad tracks 
from certain Public ways and grounds in the city of Worcester." 
It was approved May 2rjtli, IMTI, covers eight 8vo. pages with 
Iwenty-four sections, one of which repeals the act of IHG!), an- 
other jn-ovides that the Mayor and Aldermen may and shall (after 
Ihe (liscoiitinuaiicc of the Raih'oad ti'acks between Shrewsbury 
street and the Foster street Station) extend Foster street with a 
width not less than ('>() feet, from its present eastern terminus to 
Summer street, ''and said city shall maintain suita1)le Railroad 
tracks uyjon said extension, etc." This project looked well on 
paper, and for the time being there was a great calm. 



94 

Thus a few solicitous individuals, through the aid of the Legis- 
lature, had forced ui)oii the city the obligation of constructing 
this street, 60 feet in width, and so far as I have been able to 
learn from the records, without an ollicial exi)ression of the City 
Council in any way relating to it. According to the Act the 
New Union Station was to be completed within two years from 
the date of the passage of the bill, and within three years from 
the same date the several Railroads must discontinue their pres- 
ent locations running to the Foster street Station ; then the new 
street was to be Inult. The Boston and Albany Railroad Cor- 
poration was to be relieved from supporting the old depot on 
Foster street, but compelled to build a new Union Station. The 
city fathers were to be relieved from the track on the Connnon, 
Park, Front and Mechanic streets, but compelled to extend Fos- 
ter street. A reflection on this state of things caused the fever 
to subside, and then came a reaction. For sometime there ex- 
isted a certain degree of apathy concerning the matter ; only now 
and then came an expression as to how or in what form the 
street should l)e extended. The time stipulated ibr Ihe com))le- 
tion of the Union Depot proving insuHcient, an extension was 
asked for and granted by an Act of the Legislature, approved 
Feb. 17, 1873, allowing until the first day of June, l.S7o, to fin- 
ish the work, and the time for discontinuing and relocating tracks 
was also continued until the 1st day of June, l.S7('>. For more 
than four years from the passage of the Act of LS71 , the citizens 
of Worcester had been toiling on almost forgetful of the great 
responsibility resting upon the comnunn'ty, while some sutiiciently 
thoughtful were hoping that some inlluence might ))e used in ob- 
taining an honorable release from tiie execution of such an un- 
wise legislative; act, believing that the matter of extending and 
constructing streets should always be left to the free and un- 
fettered judgment of the people who pay the taxes for their con- 
struction. But some good law abiding citizen drew an order 
which passed the citj' government Sept. (i, 1-S7r), instructing the 
city Engineer to prepare a plan and [)rotile for widening and ex- 
tending Foster street in accordance with the Act of the Legisla- 
ture, passed March 1871 . It is said that the acting city engineer 
commenced the survey of this street under the direction of some 



95 

anxious eit}' oflieial before any i>roper authority had been obtain- 
ed, and that the Mayor suspended his operations for the time. 

^lay l")th, ls7(j, the Worcester and Nashua Eaih'oad Com- 
pany [)etitioned the City Couucil Hn- a narrow strip of hind on 
tlic soutli side of their h)eation (Mithe 'curve near Summer street, 
to enal)le them to have two tracks from Brid<j;e street to the 
liiion Depot. At this same meeting of the l)oard of Aldermen 
a ri'sohition was passed stating ''that as soon as the locations 
l)etween the Foster street station and Sunnner street shall be 
disconlinued, this board will proceed at once to extend Foster 
sti-eet to Sunnner street as required bj- Sec. 22 of the Union 
Depot Act of 1871 ." At the following session of the City Coun- 
cil iield May 21), l.s7(!, a communication was received from Mr. 
K. W. Lincoln, chairman of the board of Commissioners of Pul)- 
lic (^rounds, in reference to the early removal of the railroad 
tracks from the Common, and the necessity' for an appropriation 
of money for grading the same. A resolution was introduced in 
the Common Council chamber that same evening, and passed, 
requesting the mayor and aldermen to postpone action, as in 
their opinion the public necessity did not demand the extension 
of Foster street at this time when every effort of the cit_y govern- 
ment ought to be i)ut forth in the interest of strict economy. 
This action of the Council again drew out the friends of the en- 
terprise, and June 12, l'S7(;, they sent in a petition asking for 
tile extension of the street upon which the board of Aldermen 
ordered that a hearing lie granted Tuesday, .June 22, 187G, at 7 
1-2 o'clock P. M. At this hearing four diflerent routes were ad- 
vocated, each with a high grade and a low grade. The oi'iginal 
plan for extending the street was to follow the abandoned loca- 
tion of the Boston and Albany railroad, and the Act of 1871 was 
diawn in the interest of such a plan, although worded so as to 
allow of slight variation from that course, should occasion require 
it. and well it was so, for the Viaduct had been constructed di- 
rectly across the contemplated path, i)resenting a serious olt- 
struction to be overcome. One of the new j;rojects was to ex- 
tend the street from the easterly line of Norwich street in a 
southerly direction to the westei-ly corner of Union and Mechanic 
streets, then by taking land on the northerly side to make Me- 
chanic street sixty feet in width from this point to Summer street. 



96 

Another was to extend Foster street to the westerly terminus 
of Manchester street, crossing Union street at grade, a few feet 
above its present bed, and widening Manchester street by taking 
land on the southerly side, passing under the Viaduct and join- 
ing Summer street just south of the Mission Chapel. 

With so many projects before them, the board of Aldermen 
could not agree on any one, and it was intimated that the dis- 
inclination of some of the hoard to building the street had some- 
tiiing to do with midtiplying the number of projects presented ; 
at all events, the friends of the petition seemed to understand 
that a large majority of the members of the city government 
would not build the street until compelled to do so, and they at 
once api)lied to the Supreme Court for a writ of Mandamus com- 
manding the city to proceed with the work. The case was ar- 
gued in Boston, Dec. 16, 1876, before Hon. Horace Gra}', Chief 
Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court, who issued a writ com- 
manding the city to proceed with the work without unnecessary 
delay or show cause to the contrary thereof. Tliis writ was re- 
turnable on the third Saturday of January, LS77, a copy of which 
was served on each member of the cit}* council, Dec. 18, 1876, 
by the late Deput}' Sheriff, Ransom M. Gould. Of course it was 
quite impossible to construct a street in the dead of winter, so 
the ground was left undisturbed, but Dec. 2r)th, the board of 
Aldermen passed an order notifying the railroad corporations 
using the discontinued locations between Park and Front streets 
to cease using the present tracks after the service of this order, 
and requested the city to cause a copy of the order to be served 
forthwith on the Worcester and Nashua, and Norwich and Wor- 
cester Railroad companies. The corporations discontinued run- 
ning regular trains over this portion of their road, but occasion- 
ally a freight train was to be seen feeling its way along this for- 
bidden path until Nov. 12, 1877. when an order passed the city 
government, instructing the Connnissioner of Highways and the 
Commissioners of Public (Grounds, under the direction of the 
committee on highways, to remove the railroad tracks from the 
Common, Mechanic, Front and Park streets, the expense to be 
charged to the corporations owning the rails. The late David F. 
Parker, then commissioner of highways, began the execution of 
this order Nov. 21, three days being consumed in the work. 



97 

Thus was the Old C'ominon relieved from the obnoxious iron 
baud, of which thirty-seven 3-ears ago Worcester people were so 
proud aud ])(>astful. January l'>th, 1877, an order passed the 
Council instructing tlie city solicifor to go to Boston Jan, 20th, 
for the purpose of getting the time for- working Foster street ex- 
tended to April 15th, saying that the Aldermen were anxious to 
lav out the street. In order that the Court might witness their 
good intentions, they, Feb. i)th, requested the city engineer to 
show a plan of some proposed changes to be made in the location 
of the street, and also voted to view the location, which the^- did. 
Fell. 121h an order w\as passed directing the city engineer to re- 
port a decree locating and establishing the extension of Foster 
street in accordance with Sec. 22 of Chapter 343 of the Acts of 
1.S71. Five days later a special meeting of the board of Alder- 
men was called to take action in legard to matters relating to 
this street, at which time, Feb. 17th, an order was passed author- 
izing the ]\layor in behalf of the board to concur with the relators 
in the petition for mandamus now pending in Court, or with the 
Council in obtaining legislation necessary to allow the construc- 
tion of the extension of Foster street, substantially as provided 
liv the plan submitted by Messrs. Barnard and Nelson ; which 
was to construct the street on the present location, although it 
contemplated entering the hallowed resting place of the dead, 
breaking the solemn seal of the tomb, and scattering the sacred 
ashes upon the dilapidated thoroughfares of our city, to be trod- 
den under the busy feet of kindred and friends ; yet the work 
must go on, a beginning at least must be made. At the next 
meeting which was held March 10th, a petition appeared in the 
hoard of Aldermen requesting that the Itoard insist that there be 
inserted in the bill relating to the construction of Foster street, 
a proNision that the Mayor and Aldermen shall accept the Act 
before it shall be binding on the city, and also that they sliall not 
lie obliged to construct the street within a year from the time the 
law shall be passed. Tlie ingenuity of nearly every member of 
the board', and that of our able city Solicitor, was taxed to de- 
vise some vvay by which the work might be delayed for a time, 
hoping that in some way relief might come to dissolve the obli- 
gation that was forcing ui)on the city the performance of such an 



9S 

expensive piece of work, an,l one so little likely to prove renm.n- 
erative. Action on petitions and orders were alike indefinitely 
postponed, bat the mandannis of tlie Supreme Court was con- 
fronting every momber of the t'ity government. Special meet- 
ings were called to discuss the perplexing subjee', but pi'ocras- 
tination seemed to hover over the olHcial chamber. Authority 
was given the Mayor and city Solicitor to employ experts to as- 
sist in making estimates of the probable cost of the several routes 
proposed. April l.")th came and went, and a second time the 
command of the Court had been evaded. May 7th an order was 
passed allowing the use of the tracks on the common while the 
bridge on Foster street extension was building, and at the same 
meeting the city Engineer was instructed to sulmiit plans for the 
upper and lov.er grades of the proposed street, and an order 
passed at a meeling held May 21st fixing June iMh as the time 
for a hearing, reijuesting all parlies interested in the extension 
of this street, to be present. At the appointed time the engin- 
eer sul)mitted his report which was laid on the table. A member 
of the board of Aldermen then arose and created no Httic sensa- 
tion among those i)rcsent by olfering a protest against any and 
all plans proposed for the extension of the street. After several 
persons had plainly expressed themselves in the matter, the 
meeting adjourned f^r one week. June ■2.5th came and the hear- 
ing was resumed. A petition from the citizens was presented 
asking that the street be constructed at low grade, and promptly 
a motion was made to construct it at high grade, which was lost. 
and an order to build at low grade w^as adopted. July i-d the 
decree was adopted and placed on file. July IGth the decree 
was again considered, certain written amendments ))roi)osed, and 
again laid on the table. August 1st the subject was resum- 
ed, the amendments agreed to and a motion made to further 
amend by changing from the loiv to the hiyh grade, which motion 
prevailed, and the decree as amended was adopted. Augiii-t :^lst 
another petition was presented asking that the street be con- 
structed on the same grade with Union street ; this, together 
with th.e one presented Jidy 'iAth were, on vSe|)t. .'5d, referi'c*! to 
the committee on highwnys, who subsequently reported to refer 
them to the next city government. An order was passed in the 



99 



Itoard ol" Al.U'nucn Sept. od iTquostiiig the committee on finance 
to rei)ort what sum of money it would be necessaiy to raise to 
construct tliis street. This order did not reach tlie lower l)oard 
until the meeting on Sept. 17th ^iien it was at once laid on the 
table. Oct. 1st a comnninicatioii tVojA Hon. D. Wald(^ Lincoln 
relating to the removal of the Old Passenger Station on Foster 
street was read in the board of Aldermen which served to remind 
them of an obligation not yet performe(l, and the following order 
was passed : "Ordered, that Foster street extension be (con- 
structed according to the decree of this board la3'ing out said 
extension, adopted in pursuance of the legal obligations imposed 
u[ion tl)is l)oard by the statute of l'S77, chapter ir)2, and to cause 
tlu' removal of all the human remains from that part of Mechanic 
street Burying Ground within the location of Foster street." 
At the next meetiug, held Oct. l.')th, the vote whereby this order 
was adoi)RMl was ivscinded, and another authorizing the con- 
struction of the street forthwith was was laid on the table ; and 
Oct. 2;»th a motion to take this order from the table was rejected. 
Again till' guardians of Foster street extension apply to the 
Court to comijel the l)uilding of the street, and at a meeting of 
the city council held Nov. 12th, 1.S77, a writ of mandamus from 
the Suiu'emc ("ouil was received and referred to the city solicitor, 
who at the following meeting, Nov. 2()th, re})orted the following 
ingenious answer to the [process requiring the authorities to ap- 
l)eur befoi'e the Court in Boston, to show cause why a writ of 
niandainus should not be issued comi)elling them to build the 
street: ''Xow come the Mayor and Aldermen of the city of 
^Vorc('ster. and admit the passage of the Act of the Legislature 
and the decree i)assed by tliis board, as petitioner alleges, but 
these respondents say, that said Act of the Legislature and the 
ilecree of tliis board thereunder are unconstitutional and void; 
and these rv'spondents further say that since the [)assag(! of said 
Act and the decree of this board locating said street, they have 
not unri'asonably and unnecessarily neglected and refused to 
construct said extension of s;'id street, but say they have pro- 
ceeded with due diligence in the mattei-, and that no writ of 
mandamus ought to issue against this boai'd, and this board fui-- 
tlier sav. that it is imijossible to comi)lete said street this season. 



100 

and in the opinon of this board the interest of the parties con- 
cerned require that no action shall be taken in the construction 
of said street until next April." 

At this same meeting, a petition signed by nearly three hun- 
dred residents of the city was presented, asking for the extension 
of Waldo street to Front street, the widening of ]\Jechanic street, 
and such legislative action procured as would I'elieve the city from 
extending Foster street. This petition was placed on tile, and 
a vote passed to insert an article in the Warrant for the city 
election so that a vote might be taken on the question of instruct- 
ing the Maj'or and Aldermen to petition the General Court to 
relieve the cit3' from building the street. The 8th of Dec, 1877, 
found the defenders of the extension solicitous as to the result 
of their scheme. A question had arisen, whether or not the 
Common Council should be recognized as a party in interest in 
dealing with the Court, for no ajjpropriation of money to con- 
struct the street, could be made without the assistance of that 
branch of the city government. The sup[)orters of the extension 
with their able counsel were present, and a sub-committee from 
the board of Aldermen appointed to confer with them. An 
agreement was made to the end that the city solicitor should go 
with them to the Court and have the point settled at once. 

Dec. loth the committee f)n elections reported to the board of 
Aldermen that a majority of all the votes cast on the question 
of Foster street extension were in favor of instructing the Mayor 
and Aldermen to petiticMi the Legislature, to l»e relieved from 
building said street, but the Court had decreed otherwise, and 
the voice of the people was not to be heeded. At the next 
meeting, held Dec. "24th, a peremptory writ of mandamus from 
the Supreme Court was served on the city council, commanding 
them to complete this extension before the fifteenth day of May 
next. January 21st, 1878, a petition from E. D. Cheney and 
others was received asking the Mayor and Aldermen to petition 
the Legislature for relief in the matter, which was referretl to a 
joint special committee, and at the same meeting an order was 
passed in Common Council directing the Mayor and Aldermen 
to ask for a repeal of Chapter 152 of the Acts of 1877, in accor- 
dance with the vote of the city at the annual election in December. 



101 

but on reaching the board of Aldermen the order was indefinite!}' 
postponed, at a meeting lield July 4th, 1.S7.S. The joint special 
connnittee to whom was referred the petition of E. D. Cheney 
and others, made two I'eports- 'fhe majority report recommend- 
ed granting the prayer of the p(?titioners, while the minority re- 
port recommended leave to withdraw. Each board adhered to 
their actions, and a connnittee of conference; was appointed. 
An order was passed in the upper I)oard authorizing the Mayor 
to petition the Legislature to amend chapter 1 ')2 of the Acts of 
1.S77, in order that the viaduct bridge over Mechanic street might 
be built with three spans. At the next meeting, held Feb. 18th, 
the committee of conference reported that they were unable to 
agree, whicli I'cport was adopted. April loth an order to borrow 
6100,000, witli wliich to construct Foster street, passed the board 
of Aldermen, but was rejected in the council. The upper liranch 
also pa-sed orders to connnence work on the proposed extension, 
and for the removal of all liuildings trom the location of the street. 
April '22, 1N7S, after more tiian two months had been consumed, 
the committee of conference I'ejjorted, reconnnending that the 
council recede from its former action, and concur with the boai'd 
of Aldermen in passing the order to borrow the $100, 000. 

It is evident that this street was to be built solely through 
compulsion by law. Members of the board of Aldermen sus- 
tained the measure only through a sense of legal obligation, not 
from their own best judgment, and the Council was nearl^y unani- 
mous in opi)osition to tlie matter, but the Courts could no longer 
he trifled with, and the prospect of a rest at our fashionable 
boarding house on Summer street awaited the opponents ; fui'- 
tlier delay was dangerous, and under legal advice all o)iposition 
Ceased. Orders were passed to commence the work in)niediately, 
and April 22. 1.S7S, the Highway Commissioner, the late David 
K. Parker, was instructed to proceed to construct Foster street, 
rr(.ni Worcester I'ank Block as far as the Mechanic streef. Ku- 
riaW iround ; also to bri<lge over Fuion street; estimated ex- 
pense, Si'. 000. May 27tii, the Connnittee on Highways made a 
report on the [x'titions that came down 1o them from the com- 
tiiittee of the previous year, to work the street at low grade, lliat 
in Iheir opinion the |)rayei- of the petitiouiM's should be granted. 



102 

but owing to the Legislative Act establishing the grade as now 
decreed b}' the board of Aldermen, "the committee cannot see 
how it can be changed at this time." The order was passed June 
10th instructing the Commissioner to construct the remalningi 
portion of the street, from Mr. William Dickenson's land to 
Summer street. Estimated expense, §1^,700. 

Thus terminated a long and tedious struggle of nearly ten 
3'ears' duration, involving the removal of Railroad Depots and 
tracks, and the constructiou of a street ; having no parallel in the 
history of Worcester, and perhaps not in the Commonwealth, 
either for its magnitude or trifling compensation for the outlay. 
The street was coinpleted Thursday, July 31st, l-STO, just with- 
within the time limited by law, to save the betterment assess- 
ments, that being two years from the date of the adoption of the 
decree, which took place August 1st. 1S77. Mayor Pratt un- 
derstood that the work would be comjileted one day earlier, and 
called the board of Aldermen together Wednesday evening, when 
the assessments were made, but Mr. ^Vm. Dickinson, one of the 
parties assessed, having an eye to Itusiness. found a gang of men 
at work on the street Thursday morning and took their names. 
knowing that an assessment made before the completion of the 
street was illegal, quite likely enjoying the good joke he had 
gained on the city fathers, and perhaps thinking that his §2.250 
betterment tax would be easily settled. But the Mayor, who is 
never slow at seeing points, discovered the mistake and called a 
meeting Thursday evening when a new assessment was made in 
conformity to the letter of the law. 

The whole scheme as brought out at the hearing before the 
Legislative committee on railways and bridges, in Boston, in- 
volved the removal of all railroad tracks from the location they 
occupied within the following bounds : Beginning on the south 
at Madison street, and extending to the easterly side of Union 
street on the north ; on the west, from Norwich street to the 
easterl}- side of Bridge street on the east, necessitating the aban- 
donment of Foster street Station, also the removal of the Nor- 
wich and AVorcester freight depot to the south, below Madison 
street; the tunnelling of Grafton, Franklin and Green streets, 
where thev intersect with the railroad tracks ; and it was claimed 



103 

by its advocates that the entire cost outside of tlie construction 
of the Union Depot would be $592,000 ; and that $406,000 could 
be realized from the sale of land released b}' the change, which 
would leave the net cost of the entire plan S18G,000, which was 
to cover the expense of the several railroads in reaching the 
Union Station, with Grafton, Franklin and Green streets passing 
under the tracks, and the freight business of the Norwich and 
Worcester railroad corixjration removed south of Madison street. 
This certainl}- was a desirable thing to accomplish. It created 
a pleasing but delusive sound in the ears of the people, and looked 
well on paper. Foster street was then in embryo, and no figures 
were shown for that work at this time. 

A large share of the original plan has not been carried out. 
The underground passages have not been built, and the Norwich 
and Worcester freight dejjot still occupies its old position, to the 
great annoyance of many citizens in the vicinity of the junction 
of Myrtle and Southbridge streets. The omission of this part 
of the plan has saved 8472.000 of the estimated expense, and 
but §120,000 remains to be compared with the sum of $301,000, 
the actual cost. To this may l)e added the expense of construct- 
ing the viaduct and Foster street extension, two items subjoined 
to the original 1)111 liefore its final passage by the Legislature. 

I will now give ^'ou the figures showing the amount of expense 
tills grand scheme has caused the community, and leave you to 
say whether or not It has been a v.-ise and economical investment. 

Cash paid Attorneys $ 3,059..58 

" Dinners'in Boston, 264,00 

" " Reporting Hearings, 230,50 

Plans, 1,500,00 

Sundi-ies, 2,561,17 

Cost of re- grading Common. ..... 500,00 

Foster Street, 140.392,92 

Railroad connections -with Union Depot, . . . 220,000,00 

Viaduct 350.000,00 

Union Depot 800,0 00,00 

Total, ,$1,518,508,17 

ELLERY B. CRANE, Chairman. 



104 

REPORT ON ANCIENT MANUSCinPTS, PUBLICATIONS AND ENGRAVINGS. 



The Department to which has been referred such matters as 
relate to Ancient Manuscripts, Publications and Engravings, 
with authority to rei)ort thereon, is not prepared to present ex- 
tended remarks upon either branch of its designated labor. The 
material with which this Department has to deal cannot be col- 
lected without effort. Man}- persons regard an Old Manuscript 
as the cheapest kind of trash, and lose no time in destroying all 
that come in their way. Old Books are sought f^i' by only a 
few, and the demand has been so small in years past that the 
amount collected and preserved is insignilicant compared with 
those destroyed. 

Libraries hereafter established will not be likely to contain 
man}- books, now more than two hundred years old, perhai)S not 
any printed in this c(juntry. The Bay Psalm-Book, New Eng- 
land Primer and William Bradford's Almanac, were early piin- 
ted in this country, and have become so scarce that no pulilic 
lil)rary can afford to own a co|)y of either, if purchased at such 
prices as some have been sold for. The Psalm-B(j(jk is said to 
l)e worth from $1,200 to $-2,000. Some of the early Euroi)ean 
publications are also very scarce. A cop}- of tlie celeliraled 
folio, known as the "Mazarin Bible," supposed to have .been 
printed in 14.)0-14r)r), by Gutenberg and Eaust, was sold in this 
country for S2,{J00. These facts are stated to show the import- 
ance of securing and preserving old books. In early times only 
small editions were printetl, but their great cost made them ob- 
jects of special care, which accounts for the existence of a very 
few copies printed in the fifteenth century. To own a book at 
that time was to possess a fortune, and this fact alone has had 
much to do with their preservation. If tin peddlers, junk deal- 
ers and paper mills had been as commcm and feroci(jus as they 
now are, the rarest specimens of early printing would have neetl- 
ed still better protection than the fact that they were valuublo. 

The art of printing and book making is now so connnon as to 
make it seem almost improbable that it had to be invented any 



105 



more than a tree or a blade of grass. But when we appeal to 
history for enlightenment upon this subject, we shall find that 
tliis great civilizer of races, and the benefactor of man, is of mod- 
ern origin ; and were it possible fo imagine the result of blotting 
out every trace of the Printing Press ' for a thousand 3-ears to 
come, we might in some measure compute the value of this won- 
derful art, and the changes it has wrought in the affairs of man- 
kind during the last four hundred 3'ears. 

It is true that the Chinese method of Block Printing, which 
still i)revails in that country, was employed at an early period, 
and came into general use previous to the tenth century ; but the 
peculiar condition of the people and their disposition not to com- 
municate with other nations, made it unnecessary, for the benefit 
of commerce, that their language should be read or spoken b}' 
foreigners, or that their ju-inted works should be circulated be- 
yond the borders of the Celestial Empire. The Yankee had not 
then been discovered ; otherwise the art of printing would not 
have existed four hundred years in China, elsewhere unknown. 
Their printing, however, was not done b}- pressure, but the ink 
was in the form of powder and distributed over the t3'pe b}' 
means of a brush ; and a similar implement or a hand pad was 
used to cause the ink to adhere to the paper. This Society has 
in its possession a comiilete apparatus, including the block type, 
for Chinese printing. Printing was carried on in this rude way 
more than four hundred years before movable types and pressure 
were emplo3ed. 

It is claimed that Laurens Coster, of Haarlem, North Holland, 
was the inventor of movable types, in 1423, and that this import- 
ant discovery was made by accident. Coster was a Dutch arti- 
zan, born in 1370, a man much given to study and retirement. 
One day he had sought quiet and rest in the Haarlem wood, not 
far from his residence. While there he amused himself by cut- 
ting the letters of his own name from the bark of a beech tree. 
These letters were properly arranged on a sheet of paper, where- 
upon Coster fell asleep. He awoke surprised and alarmed to 
find a distinct impression of his name upon the paper. He con- 
tinued his experiments and established a printing oflice. His 
workmen were sworn not to divulge his great secret, but one of 



106 

them, Johann Gutenberg, stole his types and made good his es- 
cape to Mentz, a fortified city, now about the size of Worcester, 
situated on the left bank of the Rhine, in Germany, where he 
established printing. From this press and others established 
about the same time at Mentz, have been issued some of the 
earliest prints known in pAirope. The art was kept a secret till 
the sacking of Mentz, in 14G2, when the printers were scattered 
and the business soon established in other countries. 

Books printed previous to a. d. l.oOO are now seldom to be 
met with among dealers or in private libraries ; and when such 
can be obtained at reasonable prices b}- any member of this So- 
ciety, the purchase will not be a bad investment. Tliere has 
been an opportunity during the last fifty years for a Society like 
ours to secure a more rare and valuable collection of ancient 
books than can be found in this State at the present time ; but 
the golden age tor such work has passed b}' unimi)roved. 

The four hundredth anniversary of the introduction of the art 
of printing into England was celebrated by what is known as the 
"Caxton Exhibition," opened on the thirtieth day of June and 
closed on the first day of Septemlter, 1.S77. This exhibition was 
held at South Kensington, where a large number of ancient prints 
were allowed to be examined I)}' the public. Special pains was 
taken to make a grand display of Bibles, but there were only 
three with authenticated dates out of H40 older than our copy 
of Cicero, and onl}- seven books in the entire collection liearing 
an earlier date. But in that exhibition was a co})y of the first 
book printed on movable metal type, the "Mazarin Bible," now 
more properly called the "Gutenberg Bible," tlie printing of 
which extended over a period of five 3-ears, 1450-140;'). When 
this book was printed, Gutenberg and Faust were in company, 
but when the work was completed the partnership was dissolved 
and Faust b}- a suit at law obtained most of the material for 
moneys anvanced while this great work was being printed. 

Another Bible was on exhibition, printed on the 3()th of June, 
1877, at Oxford, bound in London, sixty-three miles away, and 
placed in the exhibition building within twelve consecutive hours. 
This Bible was printed on movable minion tyi)e, contains 10o2 
10 mo. pages, bound in Turkey morocco, beveled boards, flexible 



107 

back, gilt-lettered with the arms of the Oxford University in gold. 
Only 100 copies were printed, and 101 persons were employed 
in the binding. At the opening of the exhibition, .June 30th, 
1877, Mr. Gladstone in his address spoke as follows ; — 

"I now call attention in a few words to the progress of this art, and I hold 
up a volume in my hand to which I beg every one to direct his eye, because 
I thmk it may be called the climax and cousumatiun of the art of printing. 
This volume is bound, as you see, and stamped with the arms of the Univer, 
sity of Oxford. It is a Bible bound in a manner that commends itself to the 
reader ; I believe in every respect an excellent piece of workmanship, con- 
taining more than one thousand pages. Well, you will say, 'That is very 
commonplace, why bring it before us ?' I do so in order to tell you that the 
materials of this book sixteen hours ago did not exist. The book was not 
bound, it was not folded, it was not printed. Since the clock struck twelve 
last night at the University Press in Oxford the people there have printed 
and sent us this book to be distributed here in the midst of your festival. 
They have sent several copies, one of which will be presented to the Emper- 
or of Brazil, who has but just left our table. This shows what can be done, 
and is what has been done, and it shows the state to which this great art is 
now happily arrived." 

This country has been favored with a few copies of this re- 
ni:u-k:ible edition, sent to persons and institutions as follows: — 

V To James Lenox. Esq.,for the Lenox Library, New York, 
xi To Hon. Stephen Salisbury, for the American Antiquarian Society, 
Worcester, Massachusetts, 
xiii To Ex- President General and Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant, 
xvii To the Library of the Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston, 
xxxviii To the Library of the American Bible Society, New York. 
xli To Mrs. John Carter Brown, Providence, 11. I. 
xliv To J. Hammond Trumbull, Lli.D. for the Watkinson Library, 
Hartford, Connecticut, N. E. 
Ivi To the Library of Congress, Washington, U. S. A. 
Ixv To the Library Company, Philadelphia, Penn. 
Ixxxiii To the Library of Harvard University, Cambridge, N. E. 

xcii To Chancellor J. V. L. Pruyn, for the New York State Library, 

Albany N. Y. 
xcv To the Library of Yale College, New Haven Connecticut, N. E. 
xcviii To the Newberrv labrarv, Chicago. 



lOS 



On tlie 2oth day of December. l-'^TS, this edition had l)ecn 
disposed of except .'>4 copies, forty-three having been placed in 
private hands. Some of these are Hable to be offered for sale at 
a future time, and the society or individual who obtains one may 
well be proud of the acquisition. Tlie well known cii'cumstances 
under which this edition vvas printed, together with the limited 
number issued, made it scarce and valual)le from the day of its 
publiv'ation. There are other publications not supposed to be 
rare or valuable, for the reason that the number first printed is 
not known, and yet there may be less than a dozen copies extant. 

Whoever obtains a book with the positive knowledge that it is 
the onl^' one in existence need not be particular about its cost. 
Scarcity, not age, is what adds most to the value of a book, as 
a general rule ; though the fact that a book is very old implies 
that it mail be scarce. The number of books printed for each 
edition will become more of a study than it ever has been, and 
by virtue of knowledge thus obtained the prices of old books will 
in a great measure be fixed ; and catalogues will not onh' give 
the date and number of pages, but what is more important than 
either, the number of copies printed. 

CLARK JILLSON, Chairman. 




109 

REPORT Ox\ RELICS, COINS AXD CURIOSITIES. 



The circle of the sun has again broiiglit us to the threshold of 
a new year, and we are called' upon to report of the sheaves 
wiiich have l)een gathered and garnered up for the benefit of those 
who shall come after us. P'ricnds and members of our Societ}' 
have had our Department in remembrance since our last report. 
]Many valuable relics have been presented, interesting to us and 
all those who look upon such tlungs of the past as treasures to 
be diligently gathered up and preserved with care and venera- 
tion. I desire to call the attention of each and every nx-mlier 
of this Department to the work we have in hand, and trust each 
in his place will ent(>r upon the new year with the resoh'e to 
gather u}) something worthy of l)eing j^laced in our Department 
before its close. It would be a [)leasant task at our next annual 
Report, to be able to name the good work done by every mem- 
ber of this Department. -Let us be up and doing while t\ut 
day lasts, for the night cometh when no man can work." Among 
the special and curious articles presented the following may be 
nientiontd : — 

CoMSTocK, James R. — A section of one of the screws that pressed, in the cider 
mill of Capt. Daniel Brown, a cheese weighing 1450 pounds, the gift of the 
people of Cheshii-e, Berkshire County, Mass., to Thomas Jeiferson, Presi- 
dent of the United States, presented to him by Rev John Leland, Jan. 1 
1802. See Holland's "Western Massachusetts." Presented to the Society 
through Samuel Smith Esq., of this city. 

Craxe, Ellery B. — 13 photographic views of rolies in the Di (Jesnola col- 
lection in Xew York City. 

FoKEHAXD, Sullivan.^ — A small Cannon Ball, formerly in possession of ()1,1 
John Brown, and left by him at Allen iV Wheelock's Firearms establish- 
ment in Worcester as a pattern. 

Howe, W. B. — 11 Medals — heads of distinguished men, 2 of Washington. 

Jiixsox, Hox. Clark. — One brass Warming Pan, one ii*on Bread Toaster, one 
Pod Auger 1.50 years old, samples of old State and Colonial (Jurrencv, 
string of Sleigh Bells, tonnerly owned by Samuel Slater of Webster Mass. 

Ketchum, Rev. Sn,As. — 6 Mineral Specimens from Old Newgate Prison Mine, 
Simsbury Conn., Ancient Hammer used by the prisoners at the Old New- 
gate Prison, Wrought Nails made by the prisoners ; a cup made from 
timber of the house of George Little, Newbury, Mass., 1679, the ancestor 



110 

of the Little family in America; 10 miscellaneous Coins and autograph 
of Thomas Jefferson. 

Lawrexce, E. R. — Indian Arrow and Spear Points. 

Lee, Pardon A. — Ancient Candle Molds, pair of ancient wooden Cooper's 
Dividers. 

Lewis, Wm. D, — One Looking-glass, known to be over 200 years old. It 
was once owned by a Mrs. Stetson who for some years after the American 
Revolution kept a fashionable boarding house in Boston, at or near what 
is now the corner of Park and Beacon streets. "SVhen Lafayette visited 
Boston, in 1784, he stayed at this house, and as the glass was in the room 
room he occupied, his toilet was probably made before it. Many years 
ago this glass came into the possession of Mr. Elizabeth S. Lewis, a de- 
scendant of Mrs. Stetson. Mrs. Lewis, the mother of the donor, died in 
Worcester in 1879. 

Marshall, E. H. — Relics from the ruins of Fort Ticonderoga. 

Merriam, Olin L. — An Indian Skull from AVarren, Mass. 

Phelps, Henry. — Two Muskets, two Cartridge Boxes and cartridges, taken 
from rebel soldiers at the battle of lloanoake Island. One of these muskets 
has a flint lock, and is stamped on the barrel, "19th Regiment, city of 
Richmond." These relies were sent to me by Col. Moulton of the 25 th 
Mass Vols. 

Phillips, Rev. George W. — Piece of the house of Roger Williams, also piece 
of tree brought from England about 1625, described in Draper's "Nooks 
and Corners of the New England Coast," page 138. 

Prentice, Mrs. Charles. — Articles in common use a century ago, viz : a 
Lady's Work-bag, an ancient Mirror Holder, Needle Case, Shoe Buckle, 
Gloves &c., also an Indian Scraping Knife. 

Rogers, C. H. — 14 Photographic Views of Relics in Pilgrim Ilall, Plymouth 
Mass. 

Russell, John E. — An Aztec Pot from Masaga, Nicaragua ; Waterloo Med- 
al bearing the name of "James Kirmin, 18th Regiment Hussars ;" Spanish 
Cross Dollar, 1734; Pistareen, a coin of Carlos III., 1711.; Central Amer- 
ican Quartillo, equal to 2 1-2 cents. 

Smith, John G. — A Buckle taken from a confederate soldier at the battle of 
Cedar Mountain. Va., also a relic from the Old Indian Fort, at North- 
borough, Mass. 

Sprague, Gen. A. B. R. — Numerous pieces of Colonial Currency. 

Wilder, Harvey B. — A Musket captured from the rebels at the battle of 
Roanoake Island. Feb. 8, 1862, by the 25th Regiment Mass. Vols. 

HENRY PHELPS, Chairman. 



Ill 

TREASURER'S REPORT. 



To THE Offickrs and Members of ' 

The Wokckstek Society of Antiquity. 

Gentlemen : — In accordance with the requirements of your B}-- 
Laws, I herewith submit this m}- fourth Annual Report, showing 
the Receipts and ^Expenditures of the Society, from January 7th, 
to December 2d, 1<S79, as follows : — 



Cash Receivei>, 


1879. Dr. 




Assessments, . . . 


Si 44,00 


Admission Fees, . 


34,00 


Donations, . . . 


200,02 


Sale of Proceedings, . 


12,78 


Proceeds of Lectures, 


41,01 


Tem'y Loan of Treas. 


, 16,G8 



Cash Paid. 

1S79. Cr. 

Rent $112,00 

Newspaper & Station'ry, 28,20 

Gas, 10,30 

Printing, .... 22,86 
Book & Pamphlet cov'rs,17,7r) 
Note & loan of Treas., 262, .33 



$453,94 



$4.53,94 
Respectfully submitted, 

JA:MES a. smith, Treasurer. 



REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON BIOGRAPHIES. 



Your Committee on Biography respectfully re})ort that tlie'V 
have received thus far only half a dc^zen l>i<)graphies of nu'ml)i'rs 
of this Socii'ty which ari' preserved until such time as enough 
other members respond to our repeated appeals to allow of their 
collection in a permanent volume, as has been from the lirst in- 
tended. 



112 

Your Committee are, still, notwitlistanding their present slow 
success, fully convinced of the importance of such a collection 
and preservation of biographical material as was contemplated in 
their appointment, and unless the}' are superceded b}' the ap- 
pointment of others, will continue to urge upon their fellows in 
the Society an earl}- personal attention to our especial depart- 
ment. 

Your Committee report that one of its members, Rev. T. V.. 
St. John, has left the cit}-, and to suggest that the vacancy thus 
caused in the committee be filled. 

Respectfully, 

HENRY L. SHUMWAY, 

For the Com. 
Worcester, Dec. 1, 1879. 




113 
THE AMERICAN TRAITOR. 



The crimes of tliis iinpriiicipkHl conspirator are thus summed 
up. Treason, avarice, hypocricv, ingratitude, barliarity, false- 
hood, deception, peculation and robbery. He aimed to plunge 
a dagger into the bosom of liis country, wliich had raised him 
from tlie obscurity in whicli lie Avas born, to honors which never 
could have been the object even of his hopes. He robbed his 
country at the time of her deepest distress, having directed his 
wife to draw all she could from the commissaries' stores, and sell 
or stoi'e it, though at a time when the army was destitute of pro- 
visions. He robbed the soldiers when the}' were in want of nec- 
essaries and defrauded his own best friends who trusted and had 
rendered him the most essential services.. He spoke contempt- 
uously of our allies, the French, and his illilieral abuse of every 
cliaracter opposed to his fraudulent and wicked transactions, 
exceeds all description. For the sake of human nature it were 
to be wished tliat a veil conld forever be thrown over such a vile 
exam[)le of dei)ravity and wickedness. Yet this is the man on 
wliom the liritisli bestowed ten thousand pounds sterling as the 
pi'ice of his treason, and ap[)olnted to the rank of Itrigadier gen- 
eral in their service. It could scarcely be imagined that there 
was an oliicer of honor left in that army, who would debase 
himself and his commission by serving under or ranking with 
liencdict Arnold. 

In . January, ITsl, Arnold was l)y Sir Henry Clinton invested 
with the command ol' one tiu)usand seven hundred men, sn[)[)ort- 
ed \)\ a naval force, on an expedition to \'irginia, whei'e he com- 
mitted extensive ravages on the rivers and along the un[)rotected 
(•oast, plundering the plantations to the extent of his power. 
According to report, he shipped oU'a cargo of negroes, which he 
had stolen, to Jamaica, and sold them lor his own em(jlument. 
Having taken an American ca|)laiii prisoner, he incpiired of him 
what tlie Americans would do with liim if lie should fall into their 
iian<ls ; the ollicer replied, tiu'v would cut o!f the leg that was 
wounded at Saratoga and liury it uith the honors of war, and 
liaiig tlie remainder of his body on a gibbet. In Septeml)er, 



114 



1781, Arnold was again vested witli a command and sent on a 
predatory expedition against New Lc^ndon, in Connecticut, liis 
native state. After taking possession of tlie fort, they made a 
merciless slaughter of the men who defended it, and destroyed 
an immense quantity of provision, stores and shipping ; sixty 
dwelling houses and eighty-four stores were destroyed, and about 
one hundred inhabitants were deprived of their habitations, and 
most of them of their all. This terminated the career of this 
monster of wickedness in America. At the close of the war. he 
accompanied the royal army to England. 

'■The contemi)t that followed him through life." sa3's a distin- 
guished writer, '■'■is further illustrated by the speech of Lord Lau- 
derdale, who, perceiving Arnold on the right hand of the king, 
and near his person, as he addressed his parliament, declared, 
on his return to the commons! , that however gracious the lan- 
guage he had heard from the throne, his indignation could not 
but be highly- excited, at beholding as he had done, his majesty 
supported by a traitor." '"And on another occasion. Lord Sur- 
r}', since duke of Norfolk, rising to speak in the house of com- 
mons, and perceiving Arnold in the gallery, sat down, with pre- 
cipitation, exclaiming, '■I will not speak while that man,' point- 
ing to him, 'is in the house.' " 

He purchased in England a quantity of goods which he brought 
over to New Brunswick ; the store and goods took fire, and the 
whole were consumed ; but according to report, they were in- 
sured to a much greater amount than their real value. After 
this event no further laurels remained for him to achieve ; he re- 
crossed the Atlantic, and died in London, June 14th, 1801. 

ThntrJier's ReroIntiotKin/ Anitals. 



LIBRARIAN'S REPORT. 



To TiiF. Okkkkus and Mkmbkrs of 

THE WORCKSTEU SoCIETY OF AnTIoI'ITV 



As Librarian I would respec-tfully i)resent the following report : 

As becomes iny (Uity under instruction from the Executive 
Committee, I have forwarded to members, active, corresponding 
and honorary, tc) individunls and societies, copies of our publi- 
cations as follows: 7 copies No. I. ; ") copies No. II. ; 8 copies 
No. III.; G copies No. IN'.; lO'.) copies No. ^'. ; o4 copies 
No. VI. An extra publication was issued in the month of Octo- 
ber, viz : Early Records of the Town of Worcester. 1 722-1 7;U>, 
Book I. and lunnbered VI. of our pulilications. Copies were 
furnished at a nominal price to such active members as sub- 
scribed for them, and a copy was forwarded to each honorary 
and corresponding meml)er. and to each society upon our ex- 
change list. The second volume of the Early Records which is 
to be numbered VIII. is now [passing thi'ough the press and will 
prol)al)ly be ready for distribution in the coming s})ring. The 
Proceedings of the Society for the year \H~\} which will be num- 
bered \'I1. are also in press and will be issued earh in the com- 
ing year. 

The contributions to the Society have been numerous aiid val- 
iialtle. as will be seen by reference to the detailed report annexed. 
Not only is this the case in respect to books and publications 
generally, l>ut especially so in respect to contributions to the 



IIG 

collection of relics, manuscripts, engravings &c. Such a gen- 
erous appreciation on the part of tiie public renders the securing 
of more commodious quarters an immediate necessity. 

There have been added to the Library during the past year, 
487 bound volumes, 1062 pamphlets, 530 magazines, besides 
manuscripts, prints, engravings, papers, portraits &c. The to- 
tal number of V)ound volumes now in the Library- is 1325 ; pam- 
phlets, 4342. 

Some friendly criticism has been made respecting the name of 
our organization which appears to be founded ui)on an appre- 
hension of what may occur in the future rather than upon any- 
thing that has occurred in the past. The fear has been express- 
ed by some that the supposed similarity of the names. The 
American Antiquarian Society, and The Worcester Society of 
Antiquity, might tend to confusion in the minds of man}-, which 
would result in inconvenience to both societies. As your Libra- 
rian I do not share such apprehension. The name ''The ^Vorces- 
ter Society of Antiquity" was chosen after much careful thought 
on the part of those having the matter under consideration, spe- 
cial attention being given to the selection of a name bearing no 
resemblance to that of an}' other organization. Tlie object 
sought seems to have been accomplished, the only approach to a 
similarity of names so far as my knowledge extends being that 
of a Lodge of Antiquit}' in London. Judging the future by the 
past it seems safe to sa}- that no confusion will result. The 
American Antiquarian Society after over sixty years of almost 
unparalleled pros[jerity has acquired a name known tf) all who 
are interested in the objects for which such societies are formed. 
With quite an extensive correspondence with individuals and 
societies both in America and England, no case of conflict or in- 
convenience arising from this source has come to my knowledge. 
The fact of two societies with objects kindred to each other ex- 
isting in the same city under whatever name eitlier might choose 
to adopt, might possibly- be considered as periilexing by corres- 
pondents neglec^ting to exercise due care ; but happily we have 
been free from embarrassments of this nature. But sliould any 
confusion ever exist, it would be a fact to be lamented, for neither 
societv Vvould seriously consider the matter of a change in tlie 



117 

name under which it had become known and had achieved a de- 
gree of greater or less prosperity. 

Among the volumes received during the past year is a copy 
of Winthrop Sargent's life of Major Andre, published in Boston, 
18G1. The receipt of this volume at this time near the close of 
the century since his death and when the air is full of sugges- 
tions as to the manner in which the American people can best 
pay tribute to his memory, calls to mind an instance of the most 
glaring inconsistency and ingratitude on the part of those who 
inherit the blessings for which a noble self sacrifice was made. 
It is one of the objects for which we gather here from time to 
time to endeavor so far as in us lies to correct historic injustice 
■ and error, and to render honor where honor is due ; and may 
truth and justice be our foundation stone regardless of consider- 
ations of birth, family or romantic surroundings. 

There are fesv pages in history more replete with romance 
and heroic adventure than that upon which is recorded the 
struggle for American Indc'i)endence. The times, when men 
who had l)een long under tyrannical domination were beginning 
to inquire whether after all they were not capable of taking charge 
of their own interests and i)olitical destiny ; tlie self I'eliance of 
the people born and bred to encounter hardships and dangers 
many and varied ; the country with its sparseness of population 
and diversilied natural scenery ; the character of the contest in- 
volving the eternal principle of right against wrong were alike 
favorable to the development of a spirit of adventurous daring 
in which youthful ardor and |)atriotism encountered perils of the 
sternest order. An atmosphere of freshness and i)urity seems 
to surround the ^^outhful soldier who performs a gallant deed, 
lint when an intense conviction of right in a just cause, a love 
of country which knows no limit, is the main-spring which 
proni[)ts him to [lenlous undertakings, the human heart readily 
responds with an enthusiasm which rendei's the name of him who 
performs such deeds immortal. In a contest in which inexperi- 
ence contended with discipline, poverty with wealth, weakness 
with strength, the courage and fortitude of him who eagerly and 
iieartily cast his lot with the weaker side still further enhances 
the charm whicli suri'ouiids him. 



p 



118 

It is my purpose in this report to compare and contrast, in a 
somewhat hurried manner, the manUness, fortitude, heroism and 
patriotism of one of the noblest spirits of this contest, to whom 
history has been chary of her favors, with like qualities possessed ' 
to some extent by one engaged on the opposite side in the con- 
flict, and also the manner in which they met their tragic fates. 
It is not my purpose to attempt to add to or detract from the 
glory of the one or the other, but while poet, bard and historian, 
both English and American, have filled the worid with the prais- 
es of the one, justice and right demand that generations for 
whom the self sacrifice of the other was made, should see to it 
that his memory fades not but be kept green forever. And while 
I may not be able to present any new features pertaining to their 
lives and deaths, yet in the gathering of a few stray threads and 
weaving them into one fabric, an hour may not be spent in vain. 
The year preceding the breaking out of the War of the Amer- 
ican Revolution, in 1775, found two persons of superior educa- 
tion, talents and accomphshments, just at the threshold of early 
manhood, the one in the old, the other in the new worid. Pos- 
sessing in many particulars characteristics of striking similarity 
in their youth, mental endowments, personal attractions and high 
aspirations, they were destined to present in their future careers 
in the parts they assumed, and in their deaths still further points of 
resemblance. But notwithstanding the many parallel traits which 
ran through their lives we shall find upon a closer examination 
that their characters and moving springs of action were as wide- 
ly difl'erent as light from darkness, and as far apart as the poles ; 
the one seeking self-glory, the other sinking self in his love of 
country and the rights of man ; and yet the one has received 
from the worid the meed of praise far beyond his merits, the 
other has received comparative forgetfulness, and his mem- 
ory has barely escaped oblivion. Surely, we as Americans, arc 
prone to adopt a sickly magnanimity and throw around an un- 
fortunate for the mantle of a distorted charity, flattering ourselves 
with the belief that we thus prove that the millenium is about 
to dawn, that the hatred and bitterness of war are buried 
beneath the increasing brotherhood of mankind. While a sug- 
gestion has been made to erect a monument in this country m 



119 

memoiT of Major John Andr^', let those who believe that oppres- 
sion is wrong and resistance to oppression is a sacred cause see 
to it that some small measure of honor and gratitude is awarded 
to the memory of Nathan Hale, the "Martyr Spy." Shame on 
us if we forget his noble self sacrifice. 

It is a sad commentary on the justice of history* that the life 
cliaracter and death of Hale have been so nearly overlooked 
and forgotten, and that especially I)}- the historians of his own 
country. If we as a people cannot duly honor those to whom we 
are indebted for the blessings of liberty in a country free from 
kingly interference, need we go out of our way to pay tribute to 
the memor}' of one who played a prominent part in the endeavor 
to enslave us, actuated not b}' high antl lofty purposes, but by 
hopes of reward and personal advancement? Surelj- it staggers 
our faith in the recording muse when we reflect that neither Mar- 
shall, Ramsay, Gordon, Butler, Graham nor Bottahave one word 
to say concerning him.* Bancroft touches him most hurriedly, 
while Hildreth in the briefest mention does him an injustice which 
facts do not seem to warrant, in attributing to him an embarrass- 
ment which betrayed him to his captors. Hannah Adams and 
Holmes in his Annals have brief sketclies of his life, and Wash- 
ington Irving pays [)assing tribute to to his worth and his sacri- 
fice. Some popular school histories merely allude to his fate 
while for the most jtart they are silent. Lossing alludes to him 
in a foot note to which is added this statement : "The name of 
tills youthful patriot martyr appears luminous on the pages of our 
country's history." Were this statement not made in all serious- 
ness, it would seem the perfection of sarcasm. 

The ancestr^t of Nathan Hale is traced back to the Hales of 
Kent in England, as early at least as the reign of Edward HI. 
Nicholas Hales then resided at Hales place, Halden, Kent. 
His son Sir liohert Hales was I'rior of the Knights of St. John 



* A small volume entitled Life of Ciiptain Nathan Hale, The ilartyr Spy 
of the AnuTican Revolution, hy I. W. Stuart, was published in Hartford in 
1856. To this volume I am indebted for some of the faets pertaining to Hale. 

t For some of the faets in relation to the ancestry of Nathan Hale, I am 
indebted to a Genealogy of the Family of C'apt. Nathan Hale, by Kev. Ed- 
ward E. Hale, of Boston. 



120 

and Lord High Treasurer of England. He was murdered by 
Wat Tyler's mob on Tower Hill in 1381. To the same Kent 
family of Hales belonged Sir James Hales, whose suicide by 
drowning led to the case of Dame Hales which is commented on 
by the clowns in Hamlet. In 1G32, Robert Hale arrived in the 
Massachusetts Colony, and was one of those set oif from the 
first church in Boston to form the first church in Charlestown in 
the same year, and of this church he was a deacon. Among his 
children was John Hale who graduated at Harvard in 1657. 
He became the first minister of Beverly and remained in this 
charge till his death. He was a chaplain in the New England 
Expedition to Canada in 1G90 ; was taken prisoner but soon re- 
leased. He afterwards took part in the witchcraft delusion of 
1692 and participated in the religions exercises at the trials of 
the accused, and approved of the judicial measures. But when 
Mrs. Hale was accused of witchcraft he banished the delusion, 
men's eyes were opened and the tide turned. His Modest In- 
quiry into the Nature of Witchcraft was published in 17U2, indi- 
cating the change in his views. His account of the witchcraft 
delusion was made use of l)y Cotton Mather in his Magnalia. 

The fourth child of Rev. John Hale was Samuel, who settled 
in Newbury, in that part known as Newburyport. His oldest 
child was Richard, who removed early in life to Coventry, Con- 
necticut, where he married Elizabeth Strong, a lady of most 
estimable character, pure and lovely in all the relations of life. 
Among their children was Nathan, who was born June 6, 1755.* 

The early training of Nathan was eminently puritanical, as 
may be judged from his paternal ancestry, ami the mother was 
especially careful of the culture of her children. Although in his 
early life Nathan was delicate, he developed rapidly and was 



* llichard Hale, the father of Nathan, was horn Sept. 28, 1717, and died 
June 1. 1802. He was magistrate for many years and several times rep- 
resentative for Coventry to the State Leii,islature. Nathan was the sixth of 
twelve children, nine sons and three daUf^hters. John Hale, a hrother of 
Nathan held a commission as major in the militia of Connecticut, and was 
frequently a representative in the Legislature of the State. David, another 
brother, was for many years a j\idge of the county cour":, and a third broth- 
er, Rev. Enoch Hale, of "Westhampton, Mass. was a person of extraordi- 
nary abilities and held in high estnnation by the clergymen of New England. 



121 

bright, active and studious. Ilis aptitude for learning caused 
his father to change his original purpose and lit him for college, 
with a view to the ministr}-, and he was placed under the tutor- 
ship of Dr. Joseph Huntington, the i)arish pastor. That he was 
well taught is evidenced by the fact that when fifteen years of 
age, in the year 1770, he was admitted to Yale college where he 
applied himself with energy and progressed rapidly. He was an 
especial favorite among his fellows and very popular with the 
faculty. President Uwight has beautifully- eulogized him in 
verse, and tlirough life always spoke of him in terms of the high- 
est admiration, and with deep regret for his untimely fixte. 

He was especially fond of scientilic pursuits and in these stood 
at the head of his class. He was active in sustaining the Li- 
nonian Society and engaged in frequent correspondence, discus- 
sion and criticism upon literary subjects. Among his college 
friendsiii[)s which he formed and which lasted until his death were 
with James Hillhouse, Benjamin Tallmadge and Roger Alden. 
He graduated in September, 1773, and the following winter he 
was occupied in teaching school at East Haddam, Connecticut, 
a place of nmcli wealth and activity, where he was probably re- 
quired to instruct in both English and Classical branches. Here 
he was remai'kably successful, and his talents soon attracted the 
attention of the proprietors of the Union School in New London, 
an institution of high standing and intended to furnish facilities 
for a thorough English education, and the classical preparation 
necessary for entering college. This school was incorporated 
by the General Assembly in 1774, and yielded a larger income 
than ordinary schools, and the station of preceptor* was regard- 
ed as a post of honor, none being engaged but those whose char- 
acters l)ore the strictest scrutiny. In the spring of 1774 Hale 



* Among his successors as preceptor were Seth Williston, a graduate of 
Dartmouth college and since known as a divine of considerable eminence 
who was in chargi' for two years ; Jacob A. Gurley from the same Seminary 
succeeded Williston in May, 1794, and was principal for three years; Eben- 
ezer Learned a native of the town and a graduate of Yale college, filled the 
chair of instruction in 1799. Knight of the Medical college of New Haven, 
Olmsted of Yale, Mitchell of the I' niversity of North Carolina and many 
others of note are among the teachers since 1800. 

History of New Loiulon, by Frances Manwarinfr Caulkins. 



122 



accepted the offer of a situation as teacher, he being the first to 
occupy that position after the act of incorporation. The follow- 
ing extract from a letter written in September informs us as to 
his life and surroundings while in New London : "I have a school 
of thirty-two boys, about half Latin, the rest English. The sal- 
ary allowed is £70 per annum. In addition to this I have kept 
during the summer a morning school between the hours of five 
and seven of about twenty young ladies, for which I have receiv- 
ed 6s. a scholar by the quarter. The people with whom I live 
are free and generous, many of them gentlemen of sense and 
merit. They are desirous that I would continue and settle in 
the school, and propose a considerable increase of wages. 1 am 
much at a loss whether to acce[)t their proposals." 

Col. Samuel Gxreen furnicrly of Ilarttbrd who was one of his 
pupils, bore the following testimony as to Hale's capacity as an 
instructor: ''lie was" says Green ''peculiarly engaging in his 
manners ; these were mild and gentle. The scholars \ounganil 
old loved him for his tnct and amiability, lie was wholly with- 
out severity, and had a wonderful control over the boys. He 
was sprightly, ardent and steady, bore a fine moial character, 
and was respected l)v all his acquaintances." The proprietors* 
of the school were the first gentlemen of New London, all of 
whom were exceedingly gratified by his skill and assiduity. 
Mrs. Elizabeth Poole of New London who was for a long time 
an inmate of the same family with him spoke of him as "[)eculiarly 
free from the shadow of guile, and that his simple, unostentatious 
manner of imparting right views and feelings to less cultivated 
understandings was unsurpassed." Miss Caulkins in her history 
of New London remarks that Hale was a firm disciplinai'ian br.t 
happy in his mode of conveying instruction. 

Thus was he engaged in his chosen pursuit when the news of 
the battle of Lexington arrived in New London. The peo|)le 
assembled in town meeting to discuss the issues thus rapidly 



* The original proprietors of the Union School were Kichard Lnw, Silas 
Church, Jeremiah stiller, Duncan Stewart, 'I'liomas Allen, John Riilianls, 
Robinson Mumford, Josepli Christophers, Mr.rvin Wait, Thomas ^Mumtbrd, 
Nathaniel Shaw Jr., Ro";er Gibson. 



11>3 



presenting themselves, the speeches and resolutions being of the 
laosi patriotic cliaracter. On this occasion the voice of Hale 
gave no uncertain sound.* "Let us march at once" said he 
"and never lay down our arms untH we obtain our independence." 
He at once enrolled as a volunteer and assembling his scholars 
the next morning he addressed them affectionately, prayed with 
them, and taking each b}' the hand, bade them farewell. 
"A sense of duty" he writes to his father "urges me to sacrifice 
everything ibr my countr}-." Three months later he was com- 
niissioned a Lieutenant in the third company of the seventh Con- 
necticut l\egiment under Col. Charles Webb, and on the first of 
September lie took command of the compan}' as its captain. 
Jn a letter to the {)roprietor8 of the school dated Jul}' 7th re- 
questing the acceptance of his resignation as teacher, he states 
that a position in the army has been tendered him and that he is 
inclined as he li()[)es for good reasons to accept it, and that the 
controlling motive for relinquishing the occupation of teaching 
is the opportunity for more extended public service. 



* It has been frequently asserted that Avhen the news of the battle of Lex- 
nis;ton arrived in town, N^athan Hale immediately dismissed his school, har- 
rauijued the citizens and marchini;' for Boston with the company of Captain 
Coit, took part in the battle of Bunker Hill. This statement is not entirely 
accurate ; his proceedings were marked with more calmness and maturity of 
judgment. He had taken an active part in all the patriotic measures of the 
inhabitants, but not till he had been tendered a commission in the army, 
which was subsequent to the battle of Bunker Hill, did he decide to relin- 
quish his office of preceptor before the expiration of the time for which he 
was engaged. His letter to the proprietors of the school was dated July 7, 
1775. In this communication he observes that the year for which he had 
engaged would expire in a fortnight, but as he had received information that 
a place was allotted him in the army, he asked as a favor to be excused im- 
niediatel\ . Before the close of July the regiments of Webb and Huntington 
were ordered to Boston where they were jjlaced under the commander-in- 
chief. Lieut. Hale shortly afterwards received a captain's commission. 

History of New London, by Frances Manwaring Caulkins. 

Stuart, with the above statement before him, still asserts the correctness 
of the statements regarding the prompt action of Hale on the night of the 
news of the battle of Lexington. "The people assembled in town meeting 
M'ith judge Law in the chair. * * Hale was among the speakers on this 
occasion. 'I was struck' says Captain I^aw from whom the fact is deriv- 
ed 'with his noble demeanor and the emphasis with which he addressed the 
assembly'." Stuart states that Ilale probably retvirned to New London, but 
only to disch:irge his duties temporarily until he could arrange for a perma- 
nent connection in the armv. 



VZ4 



During August and the early part of September Hale's com- 
pauv was oil duty near New Loudon engaged in coast defense 
service, l)Ut on the 14th of Septeuil)er it was ordered to the camp 
near Boston and on its arrival was assigned to the brigade of 
Gen. Sullivan. On the hrst of January Congress commissioned 
hiui as Captain in the Nineteenth Regiment of Foot and (»n the 
the thirtieth his command was attached to the brigade of General 
Spencer, remaining here until April when with the troops under 
General Heath he went to New York and was soon after assign- 
ed with his connnand to Lord Sterling's brigade. As an otlicer 
he was distinguished for his zeal, activity and patriotism ; and 
the company under his command submitted to a system of dis- 
cipline before unknown in the army and which produced very 
benL'ticial results. An entry in Hale's own camp book under 
date of November 2^th, 1775, when the arm}- around Boston 
was in danger of diss>lution on account of the expiration of the 
terms of service, dissatisfaction among the men and lack of pay, 
will serve to show the intensit}' and earnestness of his patriotism. 
It is this : ''Promised the men if they would tarry another month 
they should have m}- wages for that time" A promise he made 
good by l)orrowing the money from a brotlier otiicer on the 
strength of his advance pay. 

After his arrival in New York he signalized himself by ca[)tur- 
ing a British sloop laden with supplies from under the sixty-four 
guns of the British sloop of war Asia. Crossing the I'iver with 
a small party at night, he waited for the moon to go down, and 
when all was quiet on the man of war except the watchman's cry, 
"'all is well," he pulled along side the sloop, boarded her, closed 
the hatches and himself at the helm and the British sailors in 
the hold arrived at the wharf, where he distributed the prize 
goods among the soldiers of our army. A bold design, heroic- 
ally executed. 

A letter written by him bearing date of May 30th, 177(!, gives 
evidence that he comprehended the situation of affairs. The de- 
bates in Parliament, the proceedings of the Cabinet, the plans 
on the part of the British commanders for the summer campaign, 
together with tlie multitude of tories in the colonies gave him 
serious alarm. He closes the letter in these w(.rds : ''It is reallv 



125 



fi (.-ritical i)erio(l. America beholds what she never beheld before. 
Allow the whole force of the enein}- to be but thirty thousand 
and these Hoating on the ocean ready to attack the most unguard- 
ed place. Are they not a formidable foe? Surel}- they are." 

Three months after this was written, the storm broke with all 
its fury. The terrible and disastrous battle of Long Island was 
fought. Kaw and inexperienced troops outnumbered and out- 
Hanked by the veteran troops of England gave wa}', and for a 
time tlu' American cause seemed hopelessly lost ; but wise gen- 
eralslii[) and favoring circumstances saved our army from total de- 
struction. The darkest day in our country's history- was at hand. 
Independence had just been declared and the world had been call- 
ed upon to witness a most solenm pledge to maintain that inde- 
pendence. The die was cast and there was no retreat but in 
shame. The hrst battle in su^jport of that declaration was a fail- 
ure. The soldiers were discouraged, their terms of enlistment 
were fast expiring and they were returning to their homes in com- 
l)anies and regiments. Unpaid, poorly clad, poorly fed, one fourth 
on the sick list, insul)ordination prevalent, discouraged and dis- 
lieartv iu'(l,tliey were face to face with a land and naval force of 
thirty tliousand men, as nuignificently armed and equipped as 
England's wt-alth and military resources could furnish. There is 
with nations as with men, "a tide which taken at the flood leads 
on to fortune." The turning point seemed at hand. At this cri- 
sis it was imi»ortant for Washington to know somewhat of Lord 
! lowe's designs. On this point he writes September 6th ' 'We can- 
not learn nor have we lieen able to procure an}' information of late.' 
On the discovery of Howe's plans the fate of the country seemed 
to hang. Thei'e appeared but one course to pursue ; some one 
must l>e found to penetrate the enemy's camp. Acting upon 
this theot V Washington sent for Col. Knowlton to select some 
person foi' this dangerous enterprise. The necessities of the 
case called for a person of more than ordinar}' talents and 
abilities. Skill to draught the enemj-'s works, judgment as to 
their numbers, distribution and facility of concentration, pleasing 
address, honesty of purpose, quick sightedness, self composure, 
military knowledge and general intelligence were requisite for 
the successful issue of the plan. 



126 

It was a task of no little delicacy to find these several all im- 
portant (qualifications combined in one person. Knowlton as- 
sembled the officers of his own regiment — Congress' Own — with 
some others, and in the name of the Commander-in-Chief ap- 
pealed to them for a volunteer. It was in vain. In his extrem- 
ity' he appealed to them individually, especially to a French ser- 
geant, a veteran of the old French War. "-No" was the answer, 
"I am willing to fight an}- where and at any time, but I am not 
willing to go to the enemj^'s camp and be hung up like a dog." 
Knowlton was about to abandon the idea of finding a person foi" 
the hazardous undertaking, when there came into the group, a 
^•oung olficer, his face pale from a recent illness, his step less 
firm than was its wont, who, after a few moments reflection re- 
plied "I will undertake the service." It was the voice of Nathan 
Hale. Ilis fellow officers and his friends all joined in remon- 
strating with him and plead with him to abandon the project, 
especially his friend and classmate, William Hull, wliose afterlife 
awakens such sad memories. Ilis repi}' was characteristic and 
worthy of the soldier, th(' patnf>t and the man : "I think I owe 
to my country the accomplisliment of an object so ini[)()rtant and 
so much desired by the commander of her armies, and I know 
of no other mode of obtaining the information than by assuming 
a disguise and passing into the enemy's camp. I am fully sen- 
sible of the consequence of discovery and capture in such a sit- 
uation. But for a year I have been attached to the army and 
have not rendered any material service, while reccixiug a com- 
pensation for which I make no return. Yet I am not influenced 
by the expectation of jiromotion or pecuniary reward. I wish to 
be useful, and every kind of service necessary for the public 
good becomes honorable by being necessary. If tlie exigencies 
of ray country demand a peculiar service, its claims to the per- 
formance of that service are imperious." AVith such sublime 
purpose did he present himself to General Washington at the 
Murray house for instructions. 

Assuming the character of a schoolmaster, in a plain brown 
suit and broad brimmed hat, he crossed Long Island Sound and 
landed at Huntington IJay. We cannot trace his movements 
during the time he spent witliin the British lines. We must de- 



127 

pciul upon coiijcetnro as to liis dangerous work. General Howe 
oi'cupied the town ; Clinton was stretched across the island from 
tlie North to the Kast River, and the important points on Long 
Island were carefully patrolled and guarded. There is reason 
to l)elie\e that he had passed thrdugh'the entire British lines and 
that his ol)servations had bct>n most minute and accurate, and 
that he liad faithfulh- carried out the plans entrusted to him b}' 
his commander. An historian who gave nmch attention to the 
late of Hale states that after his landing he passed through Long 
Islnnil: crossed the river to New York, returning by the same 
route, and ui)()n his ari'ival at the place agreed u\)on for a boat 
lo meeL him, as he ha^l several hours to wait, he entered the tav- 
ern (jf widow Chichester, a note<l ri'sort for the tories of the 
neigliborhood, ti'usling in his ready conversational powers to 
make himself agreealde and avert sus[)ici<)n. Upon his arrival 
a man witli a familiiir face left the room. Not long after, a 
strangt' boat was announced by the hostess as apj)roaching. 
Hal > s:ipposiug it to be the one ai)i>ointed to meet him started 
for th,' bench where the boat had struck, and upon arriving there 
found himself covered l)v the muzzles of several muskets and 
was cha'.U'nged with the words "Surrender or die." Among the 
lioat's crew he recognized the man with the familiar face who had 
left tiie tavern and wlio proved to be a tory relative.* 

Stuart, doul)ls the truth of the story of the betra3'al b}' his tory 
rv lative l)ut docs not give the reason on whicii he bases his doubt. 

rpon his apprehension he was strijjped and seaivhed, and the 
pioliles of the enemy's works, and his notes written in Latin 
were found uudei' the inner soles of his shoes. Concealment 
was useless and lie confessed himsell" a Sp}'. It was Saturday 
the twenty-lirst day of Septeml)er when Hale, under guard of 
his captors, was brought before Cen. Howe. The night preced- 
ing had been one of liorrors, a (ierce conllagration had done its 
W()!'k I'.nd nearly one third of the city was in ruins. Tlie charge of 
liis beluga spy was preseutt'd to Howe accomi)anied by the proof. 



Tliis l)oat which Ilalc supposed to be from the Connocticut shore was from 
the British vessel Cerberus which was ]yin<i; in the sound, stationed there 
to protect a bodv of men eniploved in euttinj^' wood for the |j;arrison at New 
York. 



128 

Hale frankly confessed his mission, announced himself an 
officer and a spy, and by virtue of a formal warrant under the 
hand and seal of WiUiam Howe, Commander-in-Chief of His 
Majest3''s Forces in America, William Cunningham Provost 
Marshal of the Royal Arm}' was directed to take into his custody 
the body of Nathan Hale, and see that he was hanged by the 
neck until he was dead, the next morning at day break. 

William Cunningham, Provost Marshal of the Royal Army, 
and Fiend of the Jersey Prison Ship ! A man as infamous for 
brutality and cruelt}' as the history of any nation or the annals 
of an}' prison can present. A Inirlv, coarse, profane, repulsive, 
ill-natured Irishman, entirely destitute of the common feelings of 
humanity, he was the chosen instrument ior the execution of the 
orders of the liritish connnai.der, and to his tender mercies was 
Hale consigned. Few worse men have lived. 

Hale's d3'ing requests were few. He asked for matci'ials with 
which to write a few parting lines to his parents, and f )r a 
Bible, that he might have the consolations of tiie religion which 
he professed. His requests were refused, but Through the inter- 
vention of a young lieutenant of his guard, his request for the 
means of writing was granted. Letters were addressed to his 
friends at home,* and to a comrade in arms. These were scru- 
tinized by Cunningham, and, maddened In' the noble spirit mani- 
fested in them he tore them in pieces, declaring the rebels should 
never know the}' had a man who could die with such tirnniess. 
The prisoner was ordered to the place of execution. This was 
probably a tree near the provost, and the usual crowd of look- 
ers on were assembled. Denied what the meanest culprit has 
a right to claim, the consolations which the word of God can 
impart, degraded in every way which a fiendish ingenuity could 



* While in college Hale became engaged to a young lady of his native town. 
Alice Adams was a person of singuhuly faultless character, and of a noble 
and generous disposition, witty, bright, gentle and kind. In person she was 
small in figure with a fair, fresh compk^xion, bright hazel eyes and hair of 
raven blackness. The death of Hale threw a pall over her whole life, and 
although she lived to the advanced age of eighty-eight years, her deatli oc- 
curring in 184.5, and althoiigh twice married, she cherished tendi'rly the 
memory of her first love. Her last words on earth, when mind and body 
were both failing her, were, "Write to Nathan." 



129 



invent, without a friond or sympathizer in all the crowd around 
liini ,lie went to meet his fate with tlie utmost resohition, eahiincss 
and fortitude. The neti'ro Kichmond the hanginan, having eoni- 
|)leted till' adjustment of the ladder and the rope, and all being- 
ready, Cunningham demanded of Ilalc what he had to say, hop- 
ing that something which would amuse or entertain the motley 
crowd would he the answer. What a reply was in store for him ! 
(dancing at his executioners with a slight contraction of his 
features into contempt, then turning to those assembled, in a 
fiiU. distinct, slow voice he uttered the words wdiich will ever re- 
main to consecrate his memoi'y : ''I only recket that I have 
lUT ONE LIKE TO LOSE i-'ou Mv COUNTRY." Maddcncd and cha- 
grine 1 at thus losing his triumph over his pre_y, noting the effect 
upon the ciowd among wiiich some signs of sympathy began to 
l»e \ isible, Cunningham shouted, "Swing the rebel otf." The 
ladder was uu-uimI, the cord strained, the scene was ended. 



Having thus considered the life, character and death of Nathan 
Hale, let us liriefly consider the life, character and death of John 
An(hv. 

John Andre was born in London about the year ITol. His 
fiither was of Geneva in Switzerland, but the greater part of his 
life was passed in l^ondon as a merchant. His mother was of 
French [larentage though born in J^ngland, His early education 
was obtained in England, but later he was sent to Geneva to coni- 
plet" his studies. At an early age lie possessed a knowledge of 
several of the modern languages of Europe, was an accomplished 
musician and a i)r()mising painter. At Geneva he was especially 
proficient in mathematics and military drawings. His general 
kiiowle(lo(» of literature and belles-lettres was remarkable for one 
of liis yi'ars, and he possessed in a good degree poetic talent. 
A\'lien nearly seventeen years (^f age he entered his father's 
conutiiig room as a clerk. ]>y the death of his father which oc- 
ciurcMl soon after, the circumstances of his life were changed, 
:mil with his mother, a younger brother and three sisters, he 
wont to the interior of England. Here he renewed an accjuaint- 
niire willi the faiuilx of Canon Seward who resided in the IJishop's 



palace at Lichfield. Here a literary circle coi)i{)Ose(l of yoiing 
persons, aspirants for literary fame were wont to gathei', charm- 
ing each other with theii* prodnetions, and hapi)y in Ihe Ix'licf 
that Lichfield was the literary centre of the kingdom. Here 
wonld be fonnd Dr. Darwin, the botanist, pliilosophci' and poet; 
William Hayley, anthor of Triiiin[)lis of Temper, and the biog- 
rapher of his friend in later years, the poet Cowper ; Sir r)rooke 
Boothb}-, the poet and satirist; Richard Lcjvell Edgeworth. an- 
thor and literary adviser of his celel)rated daugliter ; the eccen- 
tric Thomas Day, philanthropist, poet and ))olitical writer, who 
as anthor of Sanfoi'd and INIerton is still a povver in tlie woi'ld. 
Besides Anna his daughter. Canon Seward had in his family as 
his ward, Honora Sneyd, the daughter of a deceased friend. — 
Blue eyes, golden iiair, graceful figure, delicate featines, togeth- 
er with sweetness of temper and vivacity of mannei- constituted 
her a person whose charms Andr6 was not able to r.'sist. His 
love was returned, and an engagement followed. He painted 
two miniature portraits of Honora, one of which he gave Miss 
Seward, the other he carried in his bosom until called upon to 
part with his life, although foni' years after her engagement she 
forgot her love and was married to Kichard Lovell Edgeworth 
as his second wife. Mercamile alfairs being distasteful to Andiv 
it was dithcult for him to ap|)ly himself to business pursuits, but 
for the sake of her whom he hoped to wed, he '■'subdues liis 
aversion to the profession of a mei'chant and hopes in time to 
acquire an inclination for it." ''Yet," he writes "(mmI Ibibid I 
should ever love what I am to make the oijject of my attenticni : 
that vile trash which I care not lor, but only as it ni:iy bi- the 
future means of i^rocuring the l)lessing of my soul. Thus nil ]\\y 
mercantile calculations go to the tune of deai- Honora. When 
an impertinent consciousness whispers in my eai' that I am not 
of the right stutf for a merchant, I draw my Honora's i)iclui'e 
from my bosom and the sight of that dear talisman so inspirits 
my industry that no toil a|)pears oi)pressive." 

After being discarded, and ftiiling to re-awaken the love of 
Honora, preferring the life of a solilier to that of a nuMchant. he 
secured, in 1 771 , a commission as Lieutenant in the Seventh 
Foot or Ivoyal Fusileers. Most historical writers who have 



131 

troatod the siil)ject have conveyed the idea that it was despair at 
Iluiioi-a's iiiaiTiage that caused Andre to seek tlie life of a soldier 
.111(1 leave the coiintr}'. More probable, that not being called 
ii_i()ii lor hor sake to pursue a cafling alwa3s distasteful to him 
he gave way to tiie original lient of hm inclination and an insa- 
tiate thirst for military glory. His regiment embarked for Can- 
ada ill the s[)ring of 1773, and it was not until the summer of 
1771 that Aiuhv embai'ked to join it, a greater portion of the 
iiiterveiiiiig time having been spent in Germany in perfecting 
himself ill various branches of military science which would cer- 
tainly promote his advancement. While his regiment was in 
C iiiada it is well worth while to st'ck for a reason why he should 
journey by way of Philadelphia New York and Boston. Sargent 
sees it, and he is piobably correct, in the tact that there was 
much for an in'elligent eye witness to avail himself of lietwccn 
Pennsylvania and Canada. It was a matter of no little impor- 
tance for Sir Ouy Carleton, his commander in Canada, to know 
tlic temper of the people, the state of political feeling in the col- 
onic >. the (hjiiigs of the Continental Congress which was to meet 
in Se,)teml)cr and the supjioi't it would receive, and whether the 
pK [/oiidcraiicc of feeling was in favor of the policy of Chatham 
or of North. Andre was a most keen observer and noted all he 
saw, and whenever he went it is safe to say he treasured up the 
news and gos-.i[) of the day I'or a repoit to his superior. From 
Philadelphia he [)assed through New Jerse}' to New York, and 
tlieiiee he found his way to Boston, i)ublic feeling intensilying 
as he proceeded northward. Whether during his stay in Boston 
he was employed in ex|)editions like that of Brown and L)e Ber- 
iiici'e to Worcester and other jilaces is a subject for conjecture, 
his peculiar (|uali(icalions with the pencil and the pen constituting 
him a person eminently titled for this de[)artinent of militar}' duty. 
1 loceeding iVom Boston to Canada he soon joined his 7'egiment. 
At St. Johns lie was taken prisonei', tlie colors of the 7th being 
till' lirst standards taken in this war. 

Inder all cii'cumstances Andre still cherishes his old love. 
'•I have been t.dvcn in'isf)ner by the Americans," he writes to a 
IViciid at lioinc. '"and strii)ped of cNcrytliing except the picture 
ol' Ibtiiora. which I concealed in iii\' mouth. Pi'eserving this T 



132 



yet think myself fortunate." At Carlisle and Lancaster in Penn- 
sylvania where he was sent a prisoner, he received from the in- 
habitants the greatest kindness and consideration, and many 
close friendships were established. His leisnre hours were de- 
voted to elegant and refining influences, and he became in many 
families an ever welcome guest. 

Returning to his regiment, the 7th, after his exchange near 
the close of the year 177(), he was promoted to a ca[)taincy in 
the "iGth. On the 8d of June Maj. (ien, (irey, afterwaids Sir 
Charles (^rey, arrived at New York, and not being provided witit 
aids, Howe recommended to him "a young man of great abilities 
wiiom for some time he had wished to pnjvide for." Receiving 
an a|)pointment us aid-de-canip to Grey he was now in a sc'rvice 
whicli was suited to his tastes, stall' duty being more in the di- 
rection of his s[)ecial acquirements than that of the line. At the 
battle of Brandy wine in the following autumn (Iiey's brigade 
was held in reserve and therefore not actively engaged, but bore 
the brunt of the contest at Paoli and Cermantown. 

During the occupation of Philadelphia in the wiuter of 1777-H 
and the following spring, Andre's duties were light, and the 
time was spent in great part in social amusements. 
Among his immediate circle of friends here were .Simcoe, the 
partizan ollicer, Sir John Wrottesley, Captain De Lancy, IVIajor 
Stanley', Major Lord Cathcart, Miss Shippen, afterward the wife 
of Benedict Arnold, and Miss Redman. Amateur theatricals 
occupied a consideraV)le degree of attention, Andre lending his 
talents in this direction. He was also a prominent factor in the 
production of that most al)surd and ridicnhnis re[)r.\sentation of 
knightly chivalry. The Mischinnza. After the evacuation of 
Philadelphia l)y the Bi'itish in June and their retirement to New 
York, Grey's division was detaclied to Newport, R. L, to rein- 
force Pigot who was confronted l)y Sullivan, (Jreen and La Fay- 
ette, with a large force. 

D'Estaing retiring to P)Oston to refit his Heet, the siege of New- 
port was abandoned. Grey's division was detached on an ex- 
pedition to New Bedford and along the coast of l^>u/^zai'd's P)ay, 
thence returning to New York. (Jrey about to i-elurn to Lug- 
land sent to Clinton a letter refei'ring liim to Captain Andre for 



] 



inrorniation in regard to the late plan of operations and the de- 
tails in rehition thereto, wliich reference will be considered by 
those versed in niilitarv affairs as a compliment of no ordinary' 
degree. In the following autunni he was ajjpointed aid-de-canip 
to Sir Henry Clinton, and in the spring of 177*J with Col. West 
Hyde was appointed to negotiate with the Americans for an ex- 
change of prisoners, bnt no exchange resnlted from the confer- 
enci' witli the American commissioners, on account of the fear 
on the part of Andie and Hyde that the indirect acknowledg- 
ment of the independence of the colonies would be made. 

In May Clinton planned an attack on Stony and Verplank's 
Pcjiiits wliich resulted successfully, and Andre in person received 
the surrendei' of Fort La LaNCtte. In the fall he was appointed 
Di'puty Adjutant (General of the British Arnw. During the 
winter and spring the exi)edition to Charleston was planned and 
executed, Andre accompanying Clinton and returning to New- 
York after the capitulation of that city. It was after his return 
to New York from Charleston that he produced "The Cow 
Chase, the best known of his verses, '•'which," says Sparks, 
"•with much that is crude and coarse, contains several stanzas 
of humour an 1 satire. 

We now approach the i)eriod in his life which must cause pain 
mid sorr<)w in every true heart to contemplate. 

The story of the secret corres[)ondence with Arnold in relation 
to the surrender of West Point, the midnight meeting to carry 
out the details of the atlair ; his unexi)ected delay in returning ; 
his day of concealment at Smith's house ; his attempt to return ; 
his capture, trial and execution are too well known to l)e rei)eat- 
ed here. This act or series of acts, doulitful and (juestionable 
iu point of honor and morality in conception and execution, casts 
a fatal Itlot on an otherwise untarnished fame. It only remains 
f )r ii-i now to compare and contrast brietly the similar and dis- 
similar traits an'l accomiilishments of these unfortunate men ; 
their ecbication and (jualities of mind, their missions, motives, 
perils, conduct and tlie measure of honor which each has received. 

In person these two men were models of manly beauty. Hale, 
tall, erect, of svmetrical frame, vigorous, active ; a countenance 



l:-]4 

mild yet tiriii in its expression, of exceeding modesty, undaunt- 
ed courage, and of a maturity of judgment rarely found in one 
of his years, he being but twenty-two years of age at the time 
of his death. Andre, well formed, rathor slender, remarkal)ly 
active, of dark complexion, good countenance, somewhat seri- 
ous, and at the time of liis death twenty-nine years of age. 
The nobility of a true manhood was stani[)ed in the looks and 
bearing of each, and each was the centre around which clustered 
the hopes of hosts of admiring friends. Serious or gay as occa- 
sion required, ready at all times for the sternest realities of war, 
or for the most quiet, enchanting and elevating iuHuences of pea- 
ce, they bore in their natures a similarity at once the most striking 
and remarkable. Added to the endowments with which Nature 
had blessed them, a thorough and finished education had placed 
them in the wa}- of attaining the most exalted positions among 
men had not fate interposed. A comparison of mental acquire- 
ments would nndonbtedl}' result in fa\oi' of Andre, who was l)et- 
ter versed in elegant literature than was Hale, and on account 
of superior advantages in the way of travel possessed a greater 
knowledge of the world and was more used to polished society. 

In considering their missions it is with sadness that we detect 
in Andre who has heretofore exhibited no traits but those of a 
noble manhood, something as Washington Irving expresses it, of 
debasing alloy. He was to engage in a service of doubtful 
morality and with the thirty- pieces of silver to make his pun-hase. 
He was to tamper with a brave and necessitous man and with 
money to buy his honor. 

The necessities of the case following the liattle of Long Island 
required that the American commander should know the enemy's 
force, its distribution and its design. He found in Hale the 
person whom he could trust tor that [)urpose. Although the 
employment of spies is considered a "clandestine practice and 
deceit in war," yet notwithstanding this their employment is un- 
der peculiar circumstances not considered as compromising a 
great commander. In fact, from time innnemorial the spy has 
been an important factor in militaiy operations. Ancient history 
abounds with instances where their em|)loyment has been resort- 
ed to bv the greatest militarv leaders of tlieir times. Nov is the 



1:^5 



hislorv of more niodtrn v.-urlajc wilhout almiulant instances of 
their employment. By means ofs[)ios Alfred was present among 
the Danes, Wellington anionij; tlie French, Naiioleon among his 
enemies of whatever nation he found himself op})Osed. 

Hale was to visit the enemy's camp, obtain what information 
he was able, return and report for the guidance of his chief. He 
was to be in the full meaning of the word, a spy, without adopt- 
ing a single shift to mitigate the consetiuences in the event of his 
detection. Calmly counting the cost he otiered himself a volun- 
teer ti> carry out to the full the plan which Washington had 
designt'd. He iid(n(l('d when he left our lines to enter the 
enemy's camp and meet all the dangers attending the undertak- 
ing. Not so with Andre. He did not intend to enter within 
Ihe American lines, and in fact was instructed by Sir Henry 
Clinton not to do so. He was to meet Arnold on the borders of 
neutral ground, and unihn- a l!ag of truce* to buy with gold what 
force could not con(]uer. Indeed, the risk to be enconnt<M'cd 
seemed so small that he was to assume no disguise, and did not 
imti! he found himself inside the American lines where his eager- 
ness to secure the fruits of his mission had led him. His under- 
taking was a[)i)arently without that spice of danger which is 
n -cessary to constitute an heroic action. In his letter to Wash- 
ington aft(>r his arrest he writes: "Against my stipulation, my 
intention, and without my knowledge beforehand I was involun- 
taiily an im[)Oster." 

The mission of Hale was in no way to compromise an\' but 
himself. On the contrary Andre vv-as to involve in shame and 
ignominy him whose hick of honor he was at the time aware of. 

Andre had also taken advantage of a former acquaintance with 
Mrs. Arnold who as Miss Shi|)pen he had known in the days of 
the Miscliianza and had employed her as an unconscious instru- 
I'lent in the furtherance of his plans with her hnsltand. 

Ilale pluniicd friendless and alone into the British camj), while 
A)idre was to be under tln' i)rotection of a Major General of tiie 
American Army who had great power and influence, and had 
stretched them both to |)avf> and secure the way. What wonder 
then that so fai' as <langer was concerned, the Briton left (Hinton's 
head (juarters with a light heart, "cai'rolling as he went." 



136 

In regard to the motives whicli actuated each in his under- 
taking we are fortunate in not being left to mere conjecture, for 
had we not their nneqnivieal avowal, the dying words of each 
would relieve of all doubts in judging them. "I think I owe 
to m}- countr}' the accomplishment of an object so important," 
said Hale, "I am not influenced by the hope of promotion or 
pecuniary reward. I wish to be useful, and every kind of service 
necessary for the public good becomes honorable l)y being nec- 
essary. If the exigencies of my country demand a peculiar ser- 
vice its claims to the performance of that service are imperious." 

"Militarj- glory was all I sought," said Andre, ''The thanks 
of my General and the approbation of my King would have Vteen 
a rich reward for such an undertaking. Had I succeeded I was 
to have been promoted to the rank of Brigadier General." — 
A sublimit}' of purpose seldom if ever equalled in the annals of 
mankind is revealed in the reply of the one ; jxirposes com- 
mendable and worth}' in themselves to a certain digren are made 
manifest in the reply of the other. Tiie one looking to no future 
for himself but for his countr}', the other to no future for liis 
country but for himself. But note the contrast in the final liour 
when each stood face to face with eternity, a time when man 
will be honest if ever with himst'lf an<l with iiis I'cllow man, when 
deceit in the heart departs and truth utters its voice. ''■I only re- 
gret" said Hale, "•that I have l)ut one life to lose for my coun- 
try." "I pray 3'ou bear me witness," said Andri^', "'that I meet 
my fate like a brave man." Thus while Andre's last tlioughts 
were not of England and England's cause, l)ut of reputation, 
heroism, self, Hale's last thoughts wereof that country for wiiich 
he was about to offer up his life, forgeting himself in the inten- 
sity of patriotic devotion. 

The conduct of each after his capture was such as to command 
the respect and admiration of all men. Neither shrunk from tlic 
fate that awaited him. Manly, dignified, respectful, nith no 
words of remonstrance, calmly and composedly each received 
his sentence. Each went with a ilrm step to his execution and 
died with heroic fortitude. But notwithstanding this, a compnri- 
son is just, and we shall find that in these last hours, so full of 
terrors, the fortitude of the American presents itself in bolder 



187 

outline than does that of the British sp}-. Noble indeed were 
tlie utterances of Andr(^ to those around him, and especially do 
his tearful words to Hamilton in regard to Sir Henry Clinton, 
reveal the affiictions and sensTbilities of his soul. ]^a Fayette 
testifies as to his composure when hfe''sa3-s, "All the court that 
in(iuired into his conduct were filled with sentiments of admira- 
tion and compassion for him. He bcliaved with so nuich frank- 
ness, couraiic and delicacy that I could not hell) lamenting his 
unh;ii)py fate. It is impossible to express too nuich respect, or 
too deep regret for him. Heath, Tallmadgc, Thacher and 
Washington himself l)ear witness that his whole conduct was 
that of an accomplished gentleman and ])rave officer. In fact 
;ill who came in contact with him from the highest olllcer to the 
huinlilest guard testify as to his heroic conduct while under the 
terrible shadow of deatii. In view of facts like these, does it 
seem within t!ie range of possifiilities that such conduct can lie 
excelled? Surely it must ]>e a soul enihied with more than hu- 
man powers that will exhil)it a grandeur exceeding this. 

Hale when taken before Howe after his capture acknowledged 
himself without reserve an American officer and a spy ; Andre in 
liis letter to Washington announces himself as Major John Andrt' 
Adjutant (leneral of the Uritish army, but not a spy ; certainly 
not an intentional one. "I was betrayed" writes he "into the 
vile condition of an en(>my in disguise within vour posts. The 
one sought some mitigation of his case. ])ut such only howevei- 
as could l)e granted on strict principles of military usage ; the 
other with no plea for leniency however honorable, fearlessly con- 
fronted his iui[)ending doom. 

After sentence Andre's heart revolted at the thought of a 
shnnieful deatli upf)n the gallows. He preferred to die the death 
becoming the soldier, and not that appointed for the felon. In 
his letter to Washington (hited the day l)el"ore his death he pleads 
th:it the mode of his death may be 'adapted to the feelings of a 
iiinn of honor. Hale was troul>led with no such nppreliensions. 
lie iiad assumed the risk of a spy and he was ready for a spy's fate. 

In consith'ring their conduct after their capture and sentence, 
we nuist also bear in mind the circumstances liy which each was 
siiirounde(l. Kveiv means which sympathy and compassion 



]-]8 

conkl suggest were exhausted to alleviate the suirerings of the 
one, while sueh means as a llendish ingenuity eould invent ag- 
gravated the sufferings of tlie other. 

We have thus perhaps with unnecessary detail followed out 
the lives of these men — lives, the distinguishing characteristics 
of which were in man}- respects so similar, and yet how little 
do we find in common. Distinctive and characteristic are their 
last words, and in them we discover the essence of their lives. 
^^I praji you hear me v:itness thai I ■nuel no/ fife like a brave 
man.'''' ^' I only regret that I hane hnt one lifi'. to lose for m;/ 
rountrji" 

While England and America have nnite<l in commemorating 
Andre's deeds, and holding his memf)ry in evei-histing remem- 
brance, the name of Hale is scarcely known to his own country- 
men. The English (iovernmcnt has exercised its highest pow- 
ers to guard the dust and i)ei-petuate the memory of him who 
died in the sci'vice of his king, erecting to him a slat 'ly mauso- 
leum, and i)lacing his remains with those other most illustrious 
dead.* It immediately considered the needs of those who had 
been deprived of tlieir stay and supwOit in this woi'ld, and pro- 
vided for them through their long and sad lives. The American 
people guarded with pious care his lonely grave, until it gave uj) 
its charge, and American histoi'ians have delighted to dwell upon 
his manliness and fortitude, and call up the symi)athies of all who 
peruse this chapter of our histoiy, in his behalf. Who will say 
that Histor}' has dealt justly with the memory of Male, or that 
the American peoi)le have remem))ered in these days of national 



* A (l(ni])t has been cxpvcssi'cl ns to whether the rcJTiiiins of Andre were 
removed to England. In The MaL^azine of Amerieaii History for Septtmher, 
187y, is contained a "Personal Nairative of the st'i vices of Lieut. John Shreve 
of the New Jersey Line of the CJontinental Army." Shreve was present at 
the execution of Andre, and in November, ISoS, at tlie aj^e of ninety-two 
years he stated from memory that "Andre when dead was takin down, put 
in a coffin and driven under an escort to thehmdins; plact' at the river, where 
a boat belonijins to the enemy was waiting- by permission, and took the 
corpse of Major Andre to .\ew York City and arrived at the 15ritish camp 
before midnight. Ilis body was not buried under or near the i>ano\vs as 
some historians have asserted." In the face of so many proofs to the con- 
trary, this statement of an ohl man in his dotaj^c, sc>venty- three years after 
Andre's death, is entitled to but little credit. 



189 

prosperitv one who passed lliroiiuli the lowest depths of degra- 
dation and sutl'ering, that ''a government of the people, by the 
pi'ople and for the people" migiit take its place among the na- 
tions of the earth. Snrely repnhlies are nngrateful. 

In striking contrast witli the, action of the Government of 
Kngland in respect to tiie memor\- of Andre has l)een that of the 
(iovernnient of the United States in respect to the mcmor}' of 
Hale. Vor nine years, eight of them in succession, was Congress 
petitioned to erect some suitable memoi'ial which should fitl}' 
coHuneniorate his patriotism and )nartyrdom ; and although in 
soni' instances the petitions were reported I'avorabl}- upon, no 
action was taken, and Congress rejected all api)eals in behalf of 
the pi'oject. Contrast this with the lavish expenditure for the 
eoiiiineinoration of tLe deeds of many in the various departments 
of its service who have honored themselves and their country-, 
and we shall fnd that the sculptors, [)ainters and engravers' arts 
liave been taxed to litly honor those to whom honor is due. 

Within a costly and magnificent pile standing in the heart of 
tlie metropolis of the world, near a monument which IJritish 
gratitude has erected to his memory repos^e the ashes of the P^ng- 
lish spy. Here surrounded on every hand by the sleeping dust 
of those who have been the bulwarks of England's strength in 
ages past. Kings, Priests, Poets, Warriors, Statesmen, he has 
found his rest, and his story is here told to the world. 

Somewhere, no one knows where, the Vto(h' of Nathan Hale 
has mouldered to dust, but in an humble graveyard in a quiet 
New England town near his old home, overlooking scenery of 
most I'ouiantic beauty which vies with the Scottish Highlands 
and Loch Katrine, stands a i)lain granite shaft on which are in- 
scrilied Hale's last words. The rising sun gilds it with its light 
and its evening rays linger tenderly ai'ound it. Thus in harmo- 
ny with his (juiet, sweet and modest life are the surroundings 
which [)»'rpe1uate his memory. 

Turning from the contemplation of the general neglect and 
indilference in respect to the memory of Hale, it is a relief to 
vievv the shield from the other side. There have been in past 
generations those who fondly cherished his memory, and his 
name is not enlirelv foruotteii b\- lliis u'end'alion of men. 



140 

The State of Connecticut and the citizens of his native town 
have in a measure supplied tliat which the national government 
refused. 

The Poetic Muse has not been entirel}' idle. President Dwight 
of Yale College, a tutor of Ilale inscribed a poem of some length 
from wliich the following lines are taken : — 

"Thus while fond Virtue wished in vain to save, 

Hale, bright and generous, found a hapless gi-ave ; 

With Genius' living flame his bosom glowed. 

And Science hired him to her sweet abode ; 

In Worth's fair path his feet adventured far, 

The pride of Peace, the rising hope of Wur ; 

In duty Arm, in danger calm as even, 

To friends unchanging and sincere to Heaven. 

How short his course, the prize how early won, 

^^'hile weeping Friendship mourns her favorite gone." 

A poem of considerable length ■was dedicated to the memory 
of Hale by one who knew and loved him well. This ap[)cared 
in the February number of the American Historical iNIagazine, 
published in New Haven in 1<S36. A poet of his native town 
has also remem])cred him in verse, and a poem was delivered 
before the Alumni Association of Columbia College in October, 
1858, which, although recounting most fully the events of Hale's 
life and death, possessed no particular merit. At the Centennial 
Anniversary of the Linonian Societv of Yale College in 18;');}, 
the poet did honor to Hale in several stanzas of much lyric force. 

Fancy and romance have also lent tlunr aid in perpetuating 
the memor}- of Halo, and stories have occasionally a))peared, in 
which his life and death furnished the materials for the war[) niid 
imagination and sentiment the materials for the woof of the 
fabric. 

George Gibbs Escj., formerl}' Librarian of the New York His- 
torical Society, wrote a beautiful form of nn cpila|)h, as a trib- 
ute to the memory' of Hale, as follows : — 

"Stranger, Beneath this Stone 
Lies the dust of 

A SI'Y 

who perished upon the (libbet, 
yet 



141 

the Storied nuirbk-s of the Great, 

the Shrines of Heroes, 

entomb not one more worthy of 

Honor 

than Him who h^re 

sleeps his hist sleep. 

Nations 

bow with reverence before the dust 

of him who dies 

a glorious Death 

urged on by the sound of the 

Trumpet 

and the shouts of 

admiring thousands. 

But what reverence, what honor 

is not due to one 

who for his country encountered 

even an in^-amous death 

Soothed by no Sympathy 

animated by no praise." 

In a pamphlet ontitlod "A Memoir of Captain Nathan Hale, 
pnhhshed for the Hale Monument Association, in 1.S44, I iind a 
most heautiful and eloquent comparison of his sacrifice, with oth- 
ers which have been made in behalf of mankind. 

''Such sacrifices" the author writes 'Miave ever been rare, and 
tlu'v who made them, have, in all ages been looked upon as among 
the exalted models of human kind. They have worn the thorny 
wreath, l)ut to win the starry crown. To do and to bear all that 
can be done or l)orne for our fellow men ; for their weal, for 
their safety, whether in toil or sacrifice, is indeed the height of 
mortal nobleness. Well did ancient Rome prize her Horatii, 
her Curtius, her Decius and her Regulus with her proudest 
names. Carthage also could boast her two Phileni ; Sparta, 
her r.eonidas. and Athens her Themistocles. Nor have more 
modern tiii)es V)ocn wanting in such names. Italy may be proud 
of her Rienzi, and Switzerland of her Arnold Struthan ; France 
of her Joan d' Arc and six citizens of Calais ; Scotland of her 
^^ allace, and England of her Hampden and Russell and Sid- 
ney — heroic minds — who in one way or another laid down their 
lives, not in ambition, not for power or a throne, but for all man- 
kind. Minds who could coolly and calmly forego all the present 



]VJ. 



and look forward to i\\Q fnfKi-c for their reward ; to that liriglit 
reversion beyond the grave. And though few, very few sucli have 
been in an^- age, in all ages, 3-et well for fallen and sulfering hu- 
manity, well for us, that some such have been, else the world had 
found no salvation." 

Respectfully submitted , 

ALBERT A. LOVELL, Librdvian. 
Worcester, December 2, 1879. 



DONATIONS. 

Allen, Ret. Cteorge. — Obituary notices of Rev. Ethan Smitli and R(n-. Amos 

Rullard. 
American Antiquarian Society. — Proceedings Nos. 72 and 1?>. 
AsTOR Library, New York City. — 30th Annual Report. 
Bartlett, Thomas E., Cambridge, Mass. — 9 Vols. 
Barton, Edmuud M. — 9 Pamphlets. 
Batcheller, B. L., Sutton, Mass. — History of Sutton. 
Bates, Phineas Jr., Boston. — 20 volumes of Reports of Boston School C'om- 

mittcc. Annals of the Boston Primary Schools ; \V'ightman. 
Bosavorth, F. A.,M. D., Webster, Mass. — .5 volumes, 7 pamphlets. 
Canadian Institute, Toronto, Out. — Proceedings. Vol. I. Part I. 
Chamecin, liEON F, Philadelphia, Pa. — Plume Avorn by Samiu'l Waite of tlic 

Worcester Troopers, about the year 182/5, Coral spocimen and Illustrated 

Journal. 
Clemence, Henry ^I. — 1 vol., o pamphlets. 
Crane, Ellery B. — 3 vols., 3 pamphlets, 8 Nos. N. E. Historical and Oen- 

ealogical Register, 13 photographs of articles in the Di Cesnola collection, 

1 manuscript, lumber for shelves &c. 
CoiiuiiN, N. S. — 1 vol. 

(yOOK, Norton L. — Ballot box, gaA'ol, 1 pamphht, min(Tal spiH'imens, shelvim;. 
("uRRiER, Augustus N.-^1 framed engraving. 

Curtis, Albert. — Manufacturers and Manufactories of New l'hiL;land, 2 vols. 
Dickinson, Thomas A. — Clay hearth cricket, 1 pamphh^t. 
Dodge, Ben.iamin J. — Framed photograph of the (Jrand Jury for Worcester 

(;o\inty 1877, records of the Dodgi^ family, 10 pamphlets, 1 card. 



I i:\ 



DovcT.As, ('. II. J.,l'rovi(l('iicc, 1{. I. — Ills l)()Ui;l;is ( i('n('al()ii,y. 

DoiGLAS, II. v., I'rovi(l{m(H',ll. I. — 2 steel portraits. 

Dkkw, Thomas, Boston. — -2 painplilots. 

Emkusox, William A., East l)ouglas.---IIis History of I)ou,i;las. 

EssKX Institute, Salem. — lUilletin, 187U. 

Fai'lkner, Mrs. M. S., Billcrica, MaSs. — 1 vol. Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual 
Songs, 31 pamphlets. 

Flnno, C. W. — -5 portraits and views, framed, several old jnints, 1 mirror, 1 
ancient ehair. 

EoitEHANi), SuLLiv.vx — 1 coiiical shot, (pattern) designed by John Brown. 

{ioiLD, Mks. Ransom M. — 1 old writ. 

Gkken, Samuel S. — His Sensational Fietion in pul)lic libraries, and Personal 
Relations between Librarians and readers. 

Hall, J. Brainard. — Briar- wood pipe, made by Drum Major 'ioth Regiment 
of Mass. volunteers. 

Harris, Clarendon. — 10 vols. 43 pamphlets, 4 magazines, 4 broadsides and 
newspaper clippings all of which relate to the battles of Lexington, Con- 
cord, Ikmker Hill, siege and evacuation of Boston and the Declaration of 
Independence, Old Fanner's Almanac, 1790-96-98. 

Harvard University, Lihrarian of. — Library Bulletin, Nos. 10, 13, 14. 

ILvwES, Frank B. — 1 volume. 

Historical Society of Pennsylvania — Nos. I. II. III. vol. 3 Penn. Magazine. 

Howard, Joseph Jackson, L L, D., London, England. — Miscellanea (iene- 
alogica et Heraldiea, 1879, 13 nos. 

IIowE, W. B. — 13 modalets, 1 pamphlet, 1 old manuscript, 1 old deed, shel- 
ving. 

Hudson, Hon. Charles, Lexington, Mass. — His Address before the New 
England Association of the Soldiers of the war of 1812, at the dissolution 
of the association, October, 1879. 

JiLLsoN, Clark. — 180 vols., 161 pamphlets, 04 magazines, 73 engravings, 9 
newspapers, 2 catalogues, 2 broadsides, his memorial of Ransom M, Goidd, 

- .set of Worcester city documents,, 1849-1879, 2 specimens of peculiar 
growth of wood, 1 ancient Mexican spur, Chinese block type and inkci', 1 
piece colonial currency, 1 counterfeit state bank bill, string of sleigh bells 
formerly owned and used by Samuel Slater, shingle river or froe, 1 pair 
lire- tongs, 1 sermon, record of descendants of Silence Ilolbrook, 1 map, 
relics from the old Wheeler house, warming pan, iron toaster, admission 
ticket to centennial exhibition Philadelphia, 1876, 2 vols. Granite Monthly, 
1878-9, 4 autograph letters, pod auger 150 years old, iron skiUet, church 
lottery ticket 1793, jury list of Worcester. 

Jii.LSON, Franklin C. — More than 300 different kinds of amateur newsp^p^rs. 

Johnson, T. S. — 3 framed photograjihic views in St. Augustijie, l'"l;n'id::. 

Kendall, S. M. — 3 pamphlets, 9 newsj)apors. 



144 

Ketchum, Rev. Silas, Windsor, Conn. — 26 volumes, 25 pamphlets, 6 min- 
eral specimens from old Newgate Prison mine, Simsbury, Conn., hammer 
used by prisoners at the mine and wrought nails made by the same, cup 
made from the house of George I^ittle at Xewburyport, 1679, 10 miscella- 
neous coins', 2 papers, autograph of Thomas Jefferson. 

Knowlton, T. S., West Brooktield. — 4 volumes. 

Lamb, Thomas M. — Collection of Liberal Journals, Proceedings of the Order 
of the Eastern Star, 1876-9. 

Lawrence, E. R. — 5 volumes, 19 pamphlets, biographical notice of Joel D. 
Stratton by Rev. Horace James, 2 Indian arrow heads, I Indian spear 
point, 1 silhouette portrait. 

Lee, Pardon A. — 10 volumes, 22 pamphlets, 4 magazines, mineral siiecimens, 
ancient candle mold, 2 coins, specimen of palmetto wood, 35 nos. Jovirnal 
of Chemistry, 1 picture, 1 paper weight, 1 cane made from wood of the old 
Union church, Worcester, 1 picture frame and mahogany cane, 1 auto- 
graph, box of cotton seed &c. from Belgian department U. S. Centennial 
Exhibition, specimens of granite and sandstone, 2 almanacs, 1 broadside, 1 
framed portrait, relic from Lynde Brook flood. 

Lewis, William D. — 1 ancient looking glass. 

Lincoln, Edward W, — Barry's History of ^lass. 3 vols., ^\'inthrop's New 
England, 2 vols., Harvard Class Album, 1839-1879. 

Manning, David Jr. — 1 pamphlet. 

Marshall. E. II. — 2 vols.. Bullet and grape shot from Ticonderoga, cartridge 
and minnie ball carried by a member of the 6t:h Reg't Mas-;, vols, through 
Baltimore, April 19, 1861, piece of brick from the old Fort Ticonderoga. 

Marvin, Rev. A. P.,Lancastor, Mass. — His History of Lancaster. 

Merriam. Olin L. — Indian skull from Warren Mass.. 1 old account l)ook, 
portrait of Wm. Henshaw, fac simile of commission issued to Wm. Ilen- 
shaw as Adjutant General, 1775, 1 old newspaper, pair of old bellows, an- 
cient pewter cup. 

Morgan, Charles A., Fitchburg. — 4 vols., 2 portraits, 2 plates, 4 news- 
papers, 1 map. 

New England Historic Genealogical Society. — Register, Vol. XXXIII. 

O'Flynn, Richard. — 1 vol., 4 newspapers, 1 magazine, 5 broadsides, manu- 
script account of the sale of the old Foster Street Dejiot, memorial badge 
of President Lincoln, 1 vol. Centennial Celebration July 4, 1876. witli 
illustrations and additions. 

Paine Nathaniel. — Nos. II. III. IV. V. Paine Family Record, 15 pamphlets, 
7 papers, 5 broadsides, lot of ballots, 2 portraits, 2 autographs, 1 old 
trade mark, plaster cast of Schiller, 2 old, children's handkerchiefs, medal- 
ets, coins, tokens, amulets &c. 

Parlin, Daniel. — 1 bound volume of Worcester County Republican, 1833. 

Peck, Augustus E. — 5 volumes D wight's Theology. 

Peirce, Hon. Henry B. — 85 vols. Mass. State Documents. 



145 

ruELrs, IIenuy — 2 nuiskcts and two cartiidii:c boxes with cartridges captured 

at the battle of lloanoke Island by 2.')th lle^'t Mass. vols., 1862, 12 old 

newspapers. 
PHrLLiPS, Key. Gcorij;e ^V. — Piece of wgod from liouse of lloger Williams, 

also piece of tree broujiht from I'higland about 1G2.). 
Prentice, Mrs. Chaules. — 1 volumes, 1 old style hand ba^. looking jjlass, 

gloves, holder, needle case, shoe buckle, brass buttons, thiinbl(>, tea canister, 

several family papers. 
PuoviDEXCE Athex-uvm. — Report 4') "Annual Meeting" 
PiTXAM, C. W. — 4 volumes. 
PiTXAM, Samuel H. — 1 volume. 
PiTXAM & Davis. — 4 vols. 182 pamphlets, 42 maj;;azines, numerous illustrated 

cards, miscellaneous papers &c. 
Rawsox, (). F. — Insurance policy, IT'.Hi. 
Rice, Fuaxki.ix P. — 10 volunes, 14 pamphlets, 1 portrait. 
Rice, Hox. Hexky C, — 2 volumes. 
Rice, Hox. W. W. — 1 volume. 
RissEi.L, JoHX E, Leicester, Mass. — Aztec pot from Masaya, Nicarau<i;iui. 

Waterloo medal, 4 old Spanish coins. 
Sai.isrury', Hox. Stephen. — 1 vol. Antiquarian Papers, 1 pamphlet sermon 

by Rev. Thomas Hill, 1). I). 
Saliskvry, Stephex Jr. — His translation of "Mexican Copper Tools," by 

Phillip J. J. Valentme Pn. D. 
Seagraye, Daniel. — 10 pamphlets, 23 ma<i;azines, relies from old Wheeler 

house and "Old Compound" in Worcester, collection of ballots. 
Shimwav, Hexuy L. — 1 volume, o pamphlets. 

Smith, James A. — 1 volume, latch from old meeting-house in Rutland, Mass. 
Smith, Johx G. — 1 pamphlet. 1 broadside, buckle taken from a rebel soldier 

at the battle of CJedar Mountain, Va., relics from great fires at St. John, 

X, B. and Portland, Maine, relic from Fort Indian Northboro', Mass. 
Smith, Samuel. — Relic from old Dix house, Worcester. 
Sprague, Gex. a. R. R. — 7 pieces Continental and Colonial currency, 2 pieces 

Confederate currency. 
Staples, Rev. Carleton A., Providence, R. I. — His sermon before the First 

(Jongregational Church, Providence, R. I„ on its loOth anniversary. 
Staples, Samuel E. — 67 pamphlets, 3-5 magazines, 14 broadsides, o news- 
papers, 1 manuscript, 1 portrait, box of shells brtnight by the late Rev. 

Horace James from the shores of the Dead Sea. 
St. Johx, Rev. Thomas E. — 68 volumes, 200 pamphlets, 349 magazines. 
Stone, Augustus. — ^2 volumes, 66 pamphlets, 14 magazines, view of Ander- 

sonville prison pen. 
Stone, Josiah (J, Shrewsbury, Mass. — Hotel bill of Job Cushing, Shrews- 

hurv, 176.'), and militarv record of Col. Job (Pushing. 



146 



Sumner, George. — 29 old pamphlets, 1 newspaper, military fore- piece for 
hat, worn by Eber Maynard Westborough Light Infantry, 1817, portrait 
on canvas of Peter Willard executed by Jeremiah Stiles. 

Sumner, Edward. — Amateur newspapers, "Weekly Star." 

Surrey Archaeological Society, London, Eng. Collections, vol. vii. part 2. 

Thompson, E. F. — 1 manuscript 1 newspaper, 1 pamphlet with autograph. 

TowNE, Enoch IL — 1 comi^lcte set Worcester City Documents. 

Tyler, Rev. Albert. — 1 paper, 1 portrait. 

Tyler & Seagrave. — Numerous broadsides, newspapers, catalogues S:c. 

Vermont Historical Society. — -Vols. I. II. III. IV. VII. ot ''The Oovernor 
and Council of Vermont." 

Wesby, Edward. — 12 pamphlets. 

WjsBY J. S. & SoN.^8 pamphlets. 

Western Reserve and Northern Ohio Historical Society. — 1 liound vol- 
ume of of Publications of the Society, 3 pamphlets. 

Whiting, Charles 13. — 241st A;inual Report of the Ancient and Honoralde 
Artillery Company, 2 pamphlets. 

Whitmore, W. H., Boston, Mass. — 2 llepoits of Record Commisioncrs of 

■ the City of Boston. 

Wilder, Harvey B. — Musket captured by 2oth Reg. Mass. vols., at batrlo 
of Roanoke Island, Feb. 8, 1S62, 1 note, 17o2, 1 note Hungarian Fund, 1 
note South Carolina, 

Wisconsin Historical Society. — 2oth Annual Report. 

Worcester Art Society. — Catalogue of Exhibition, 1879. 

Worcester County Musical Association. — Programme 22d Annual FostivaL 



'^.'■^^?^>.A^ 




147 



M E :M B E R soft II E S () (' 1 1: '1' Y 



Name. 



^ — T.esklence. 



-t"- AilniitUul.- 



Samuel Elias Staples. 
FiiAXKLiN Pierce Hice. 

* John (Ieokoe Smith. 

UlCMAlU) O'Fl.YNN. 

Daniei, Seaguavk. 
Ili.NUV Davis JiAitiiKR. 
lIi;.NUV FiiAXi.is Sti;])Man'. 

AlJiEKT TyLEU. 

* W'lIJ.TAM Mal'reahy. 
Oi.iN Lane Meuriam. 
IIkkhert Henry TiioMrsoN. 
Elijah Harrington Marsiiaij.. 
James Andrew Smith. 

* W'lij.iAM Arrn'sTrs Siiit.hon. 
^\'lI.LIAM Ulaine Ii(n\ r.. 
Charles Hexssalaer .Iohnsdx. 

1']d\VARD ItlCHARllSOX ] ,AAVRi;XCE. 

AuGt'sTrs Stoxe. 
Clark Jillsox. 
IIexry Phelps. 
Alrert Alfoxzo Loyell, 
Ellery Ek'kxell Craxe. 

AvfiUSTUS COOLIDGE. 

Thomas Elliot St. Jonx. 
Edward Issachar Comins. 
Thomas Miclvix Lamh. 

* DwiGHT Armsdy Davis. 
Bi.xiAMiN John Dodge. 
Joseph Xye Bates. 
Charles Whitxey Estahrook. 
Alexander Cole ^Ivnroe, 
Isaac Newton Metcalp. 

(iEORGE SUMXER. 

Xelsox Ryan Scott. 
William B. Hardixg. 
(Jharles Benjamin Wiiiuxg. 
t Ransom JIills (iocLD. 
William IIexry Bartlett. 
Ei'HRAiM Tucker. 
lIi.XRY' Fraxcis Dopglas. 



Worce.stcr Jiuniarv 



April 
Jiinc 



( )ctobor 
November 



December 



January 
^larcli 



May 
June 



24 



" 




" 


oO 


" 




February 


i;5 


Oxford, 


Mass. 


u 


i. 


W'orct 


ster 


March 
Mav 


•2 

t 


•' 




Juuc 


1 


" 




Di ceuibcr 


7 


" 




January 


I 


.. 




Marcli 


7 



11 



Providence, R. I. 



148 



Charles Henry James Douglas. Providence, R. I. June 

September 



Israel Plummer. 
Alfred Seelye Roe. 
George Elbridge Boyden. 
Henry Loriston Shumway'. 
Eken Francis Thompson. 
* Osgood Plummer. 
Charles Augustus Wheeler. 
t Harvey Dwight Jillson. 
X Charles Augustus ^Iorgax. 
Thomas Edward Bartlett. 
Preston Day Jones. 
Theodore Silas Johnson. 
William Howard Bigelow. 
Stephen C. Earle. 
Charles W. Fenno. 
Edwin Henry Marble. 

ilERRICK BeMIS. 

John Merrill. 
J Edward Hyde Rice. 
Fisher Ames Bosworth. 
Franklin Camprell Jillson. 
Francis Thaxter Blackmer. 
Albert Curtis. 
Norton Lysander Cook. 
Edward Hulbert Thompson. 
Henry Martin Smith. 
Augustus Eliphalet Peck. 
Henry Blanchard. 
George A. Jordan. 
Reuben Rawson Dodge. 
Nathaniel Paine. 
Pardon Aldrich Lee. 
John Wesley Brioham. 
Albert G. Mann. 
Augustus Brown Reed Sprague. 
Charles Washburn Clark. 
M'lLLiAM Taylor Harlow. 
Charles Francis Washburn. 
Albert Tolman. 
Harvey' Bradish Wilder, 
Charles Augustus Chase. 
Henry Harmon Chamberlin. 
George Whitfield Phillips. 
Burton Willis Potieu. 



Northbridge. Mass. 
Worcester 



Leominster Mass. 
Fitchburg Mass. 

Cambridge Mass. 
Providence, R. 1. 

Worcester 

Brattleboro Vt. 

Worcester 



October 



November 9 

December 4 

Ja)iuary 1 

Febiuarv ■'> 



July 

September 
Xdvember 



1877 



Lawrence Mass. 


^larch 


') 


AVebster 


Mass. 


April 


2 


Worcester 


" 


^' 


" 




May 


7 


" 




June 


4 


" 




September 


;5 


" 




November 


19 


'• 




December 


3 


" 




January 


7 


" 




February 


4 


Sutton Mass. 


" 


It 


Worci 


>ster 


" 


" 






March 


18 


Sutton 


Mass. 


Apiil 


1 


^^'orc^ 


'Ster 


May 

June 


(i 



11 



149 



Chakt.es Clinton B.vi.iiwix. Woic'stcr Decc-mlirr 2 1S7!' 
Jamks Lawukntk Estv. 

'I'lioMAS Adams DiciciNsdN. ■' •' •> '• 

J(i)iN UouT. \\'(li*;tir Mmss. " ' •• >• 

^\'ILLIAM I^KoNAiU) Clark. ' W'oiTCStl^- Maiih 2 ISSO 

AnDisoN Prentiss. . " •• '■ 



( M ) Jl R K S 1' O X 1 ) I N ( ; M K M H ]■; R S 
John E. Risseli,. Lt'icestcr Mass. Manli •> 1S7S 

,T. F. I). (rAltriELI). 

RoIiEllT IIdvenden. 

II Silas Ketchum. 

John Brooks. 

T. S. KxowLTON. West Brooktiukl Mass. March IS isTI) 

(lEORGE F. Daniels. 

Charles Ar<;i'sirH Moiu;an. 

ril'INCY lilCKNELL. 

Henry Barton Damson. 
Charles II. Rocers. 
George Sheldon. 
Charles C. BALinviN. 
Charles Adams Jr. 
Fred (J. Hyde. 

('. B. TlLLlNfJHAST. 

Edward Hyd]; Rice. Lawrciu'c Mass. .Vpril 18M() 



II () N () R A R V M E M B E R S . 

Lrcius Korinson I'aige D. I). Caiiihrid^c Mass. November 11 IST'i 

Clarendon Harris Esu, Worcester " 

Charles Hudson A. M. l/exinti'toii Mass. Deeeini)i-r '> " 

John Denison Baldwin M. A. Worcester January 2 1877 

Benson J. Eossinc; EE. I). Dover Plain X. V. June '> 

JosEi'H Jackson Howard. EE. D. Eoudon Eni;. SeptenUier 4 " 

(tuillermo Rawson M. D. Bu(^iios Ayres " " " 

Hon. Henry' Clark. Rutland Verintjut " " " 

Rey. Adin Ballou. Milford ilass. October •' •' 

John G. jSIetcalf M. D, Mendon Mass. ■• " " 

Rev. Arijah P. Marvin. Eancaster Mass. •' " " 

Hon. Holmes Ammidown. New Yfnk City " " " 

t Elihu BiauiiTT. New Britain CJonn. November ',) " 

Rev. Carlton A. Staples. Providence R. 1. Deceml)er 4 " 



Et'icester Mass. 


Marcli 


•> 


Fitchbur<;- Mass. 


June 


t 


Eondon Enji;. 


Septeml)er 


■,\ 


AN'iudsor Conn. 


Octolier 


1 


I'rinceton Mass. 


December 


:) 


West Brooktield M; 


iss. March 


IS 


O.xtbrd Mass. 


June 


8 


Fitchburti Mass. 


July 


1 


Hini^liani Mass. 


Octolier 


7 


Morrisania N. Y. Ci 


ty. Nov. 


U 


Plymouth Mass. 




" 


Deerticld Mass. 




" 


Cleveland ()\\w 






N. Brooktield :\Ias,^ 


;. March 


2 


Oxford Mass. 


" 


•' 


lioston ISIa'ss. 


" 




Eawrence Mass. 


.Vpril 






l.'»o 



Wii.i.iAM Si;mner I>arton Esq 
Stephen Salisbury Jr. Esq 
George Chandler M. D. 
t Rev. Silas Ketchum. 



Esq. Worcester 


I)oceml>er 


4 


1S77 


SQ. " 


October 


1 


187S 


" 


June 


3 


1879 


Windsor Conn. 


March 


2 


1880 


LIFE MEMBERS. 









Clark Jillson. 

Ellery Bicknell Crane. 



Worcester 



January 16 1877 



"■ Withdrawn. t Deceased. J Transferred to Corresponding Membership. 

Transferred to Honorary Membership. 



W 






'(«pk->;«: , 

St 




m 



INDEX TO PROCEEDINGS, 



1^79. 



A 



Action of the Society concerning- the 
generous donation of Stejihen 
"Salisbury Jr., 2!). 

Adams, John Quincy, iiis favorite 
hymn, ,S1. 

Ainsworth, llev. Henry, (KI, (>7. 

Allen, Kev. (Jeorge, 17." Is, !".>, :U), 40, 
50,.-)]. 

American Antiquarian Society, 07, 
74, 88, 1U7, 110. 

Amniidown, Holmes, letter of, ;;]. 

Ancient manuscripts, pul)lications 
and engravings, report, lO-f-lOS. 

Ancient Psalmody and llymnology 
of New England, a paper bv S. 
E. Staples, .■i;]-82, 

Andre, Major John, 11',), ]'2'.»; and.i- 
ti(ni of, i;;0; his execution and 
remains, 188. 

Annual meeting, 4(;. 

Apollinaris. sketch of, ."iO. 

Appleion, Rev. Nathan. 1). 1).. (;,">. 

Arehicology and general history, re- 
port, s";5-8G. 

Articles curious and special, present- 
ed, l()!l. 



15 



]ialdwin, Charles C, (of Ohio) .",(); 
letter of, 48. 

15akhvin, Charles (".. (of Worcester) 
40. 

Baldwin, Christopher C., ,s8. 

liarnard, llev. Jolm, (i;>. 

Barton, Edmund ^M., lit. 

Barton, William S., .31. 

Baxter, Itichard, O:',. 

Bay Psalm Book, 6'), 07, 0'.», 74, 1()4; 
tirst printer of, 7.J ; owners of, 
7."> ; selections from, 70, 71 ; revi- 
sed edition, 72 ; superseded, 78. 

Bcntley, llev. M'illiam. 07. 

Benton, Thomas 11.. ."i."). 

Beza, Theodore, 02. 



,17; death of 
memorial of. 



Bible, printed in twelve hours, 107 ; 

remarkable edition of, by whom 

owned, 107. 
Bicknell. Quincy, 27, 2i», 80; letter 

of, 47. 
Biography, committee report upon, 

51, I'll. 
Bird, Hon. Frank, i)2. 
Blanchard, Rev. Henry, !), ,80. 
Bonar, Iloratius, hvnni bv, 82. 
Brady, llev, Nicholas, 1)."H,, 0)5. 
Brigliam, Dr. John W., 17, 50. 
Briidey, George, 75. 
Brown, Freeman, 50. 
Burritt, Hon. Elihu, 1 

annoimced, 12 ; 

i;'.-io. 

Byron's ])araphrase of the cxxxyiith 

])salm, OS. 



C 



Calhoun. John ('., 84. 

Cass, Lewis, :'>■'>. 

(Catalogues of books, suggestions 
concerning, 108. 

Caxton exhibition, 106. 

Chamberlin, Henry H„ 30, 50; invi- 
ted to read a paper, 50, 

Chandler, .(jeorge, M. D., 11). 2(), 72; 
letter of, 27. 

Chandler, llev. John, 72. 

Chase, Anthony, 88. 

I 'base, (JharlesA., 80. 

Cheney, Edson 1)., 100. 

Chicago, population and condition of 
in 1851, 80; tires of 1851 and 
1871, .87. 

Chicago Tribune, founder of, 88. 

(Jhinese block jn-inting, 105. 

Choate, Bufus, favorite hymn of, 81. 

Christian hymn writer, first, 57. 

Clark, Charles AVashburn. 20. 

Clay, Henry, 84, 88, 

Clinton, Sir Henry, li;i. 

Committees for 1880, 4. 

Committees authorized to report in 
print, !), 42. 



152 



Committee on amendments to the 
Constitution, I'J ; to consider the 
expediency of publishing pro- 
ceedings, 28 ; to transhite the 
psalms, 0!) ; to revise the trans- 
lation, 72. 

Concordance of the Bible, tirst, 55. 

Constitution, amendments pro^wsed, 
17, 11> ; revision of, action con- 
cerning, 11); report of committee 
on, 20; as amended, 21-26; 
adopted, 2G. 

Corresponding members, 141). 

Cort, John, 40. 

Crane, Ellery E., 10, 12, 17, 10, 26, 
28, 21), ."iO, 52, lO;!. 

Criticism upon the name, "Worces- 
ter Hociety of Antiquity," 116. 

Crowninshield, Edward A., 75. 

Cummings, Rev. Henry, 72. 

Curtis, Albert, ."io. 



1) 



Daniels, Georj,e F., 20 ; letter of, 27 ; 

read partions of his "Huguenots 

in the Xipmuck Country," 21). 
Davis, Hon. Isaac, 88. 
Daye, Stephen, first printer of the 

Bav Psalm Book, 75, 
Dawson, Henry B., 80 ; letter of, 47. 
De Contemptu Mundi, by Benard, 58. 
Department reports, 83, 87, 104, 101). 
Department of ancient manuscripts 

&c. to report in print, 10. 
Departments of work, 5. 
Dickinson, Thomas A., 27, 40. 
Dickinson, William, 102, 
Dies Irae, selection from, (iO. 
Dix, Maj Gen. John A., GO. 
Dodge, IJenjamin J., 21). 
Dodge, Reuben R., 9. 
Donations, 142-14(1, 
Donelson, Mira Lizzie, 18. 
Douglas, C. II. J., 20. 
Douglas, Stephen A., 40. 
Dunster, Rev. Henry, 71, 



E 



Earle, Hon. Edward, 9?.. 

Earle, John Milton, 81). 

Early Records of the town of Wor- 
cester, publication of authorized, 
It), ;$0 ; tirst book of issued, 30. 

Editions of the revised Bav Psalm 
Book, 72. 



Eliot, John, CD. 

Erie Canal, by whom planned, 4(^ 

Estey, James L., 46. 



Faulkner, Mrs. M. L., 72. 

Fiat Money, not a new thing, 35. 

First book printed on movable metal 

type, 106. 
Fisher, Maturin L., 88. 
Fisher, Rev. Lewis, 88. 
Fitch, Frank F., 11. 
Foster street depot, history of, bv R. 

O'Flynn, 19. 
Foster street extension, by F^llery 15. 

Crane, 90-10:5 ; plans for, 95,96 ; 

completed, 102 ; cost of, 103. 
Franklin, Dr. Benjamin, 72. 
Franklin, James, printei', 72. 



G 



Gladstone, Mr., remarks on the pro- 
gress of the art of printing, lo7. 
Gould, Ransom M., 96. 
(jray Hon. Horace, 96. 
Grosvenor, Rev. David, 88. 
Grosvenor, Rev. Moses, 88. 



H 



Hale, Rev. Edward E.. 119. 

Hale, Capt. Nathan, 111); his ances- 
try, 119; his dying requests, 
128 ; his epitaph," 140. 

Hale, Richard, sketch of, 120. 

Hamilton, Charles A., 89. 

Harlow, William T., 20, 30. 

Iligirinson, Rev. John, 73. 

Hill, Isaac, 39. 

Historic injustice, to correct, 117. 

Holman, Parley, 88. 

Honorary members, 150, 151. 

Howard, Hon. Jacob M., 33. 

Howe, Dr. Samuel G., 92. 

Howe, "W'm. B., contribution of, 109. 

Howe, Windsor, a centenarian. 8S. 

Hubbard, Rev. William, 73. 

Huntington, Dr. Joseph. 121. 

Hymns, account of, liy AN'illiam S. 
Barton, 51. 



Illinois, territory, extcnl and jjopu- 
lation in 1810. 34. 



153 



liitenial si'licnii's of (U'vi'lopnii'iit. ;i 
national obligation, :!-!. 



J 



Jackson, Andrew, ;5(!, 
Janieis, Kev. Iloiacc. 18. 
Jillsou, Clark, !), 18, 26, :)(i. KIS ; . 
paper on nioclitied plaj>iarisni, 18. 
Johnson, Charles K., 2S, oO, .">1, SG. 
Jordan, ( jeorge. M. I)., 1). 
Journalism in Chicago, oS. 



Kempis Thomas a, Gl. 
Ketchnm. Rev. Silas, 12. 
Kinney. II. L., canal eonti actor. ;)!). 
Knowiton. 'i'. S., 12., letter of 17. 



, Lamb, Thomas M., ."1. 

Lecture committee, rejjort ol', 10. 2(!, 
authorized to act, 11, 

Lecture course, action concerning, 28. 

Lee, I'ardon A., 12. 

Lewis William D.. 110, 

Library, lunnber of xolunu's and 
pamphlets, 4!), IIG. 

Librarian's rej)ort, 1L3-142, action 
concerning, '>{). 

Life members, 1.50. 

Lilies upon the death of an infant, 80. 

Lines, by President 1) wight. 140. 

I^incolu, Abraham, 40, 42, as an or- 
ator, 41, his journey to ^^'ash- 
inglon. 44. traits ot character, 42. 

Lincoln, Edward W'inslow, !l,"). 

Jancoln, Hon. D. ^\■aldo, '.)!). 

Livermore, George, ">. 

Local history and genealogy, rejxirt 

on, 87-io;;. 

Lovell, Albert A,. '.). i'.). 20. 2S, :,0. 

.")1, ,")2, 142, chosen Secretary pro 

lem. 52. 
Lovell, Joseph. 20, 4(i. 
Lvun. llichard, 71. 



M 



Mann. Albert C.. l!l. 

Marble Kdwin IL, on The Signet and 

the lling, IG, 
Marot, Clement, translator of the 

psalms, G2. 



■Nlalher, Dr. Cotton, G;J, 78. 

IMather, Kev. Increase, 75. 

^Lither, liev. Richard, 69, 75. 

]\hi/.ariu Bible, value of. 104, 100. 

Mechanic street liurying (hound, re- 
moval of remains ordered, ',)'.). 

Meiyber.s elected, !), 12, 17, lit, 20, 26, 
28, 29, m, 46, list of and time of 
joining, 147-150. 

]\Iemorial of Klihu ]5urritt, Li-IG. 

Michigan canal, ;):'>. 

.Allies.' Clough R.. 8S. 

ISIiuistcrs in IGofJ, nund>er in New 
England, 68. 

Montgomery, James, 79. 

Movalile types, inventor of, 105, 



X 



Xeale, Dr. John !Mason, 59. 
New England influences, ;!8 ; char- 
acteristics, 53. 
Newman. Rev. Samuel, 55. 
Niles' Register, extract from, 34. 

() 

Obituary notices, 88, 89, 90. 
Officers," 18S(), ;!; elected, 50. 
O'Flvr.n, Richard, 19. 



Pacitic railwav, when comiileted, 33. 

Paine, Nathaniel, 9, 19, 29, 30, 51. 

I'arker, David F., 9G, 101. 

I'helps, Henry, 110. 

Phillips, Rev." George W.. ;;0, 110. 

Pioneers, early "Western, 46. 

Potter, Burton W., 30, 50. 

Pratt, iLtyor Charles 15., 102. 

Prince, Rev. Thomas, G9, 72, 75, 78. 

Priest, Nancy A. AV., 18. 

Printing, of modern origin, 105. 

Proceedings, publication of recom- 
mended, 28. 

Psalm, earliest, 55, 

Psalms, first metrical version. 5(') ; 
diiierent versions of the, 62, 63; 
sung "thanksgiving," 1750, 72. 

Psalms and hymns of Dr. "Watts, 75 ; 
geiieral use of, 79. 

Psalteriiim Anu'ricanum, 6.3, 

Pi'oposition for the transferring of 
niend)ers from one list to anoth- 
er, 28. 

I'nblication committee, addition to, 9. 



154 



Publications: of the Society, G, dis- 
tribution of, 115. 



R 



llailroads, preparation for, ;!(!, west- 
ern, chartered, '36. 

Railroad tracks, removal of, i)2, 96, 
cost of removal, lOo. 

Relics, coins and ciu'iosities, report, 
109. 

Report of committee on amendments 
to the constitution, 20, 

Reprint of the Bay Psalm iJook, 7-5. 

Resolution of thanks to John E. 
Russell and others, 10. 

Rice, Edward H., 11. 

Rice, Franklin P., 9, 26, :]{). 

Roe, Alfred S., 11. 

Rogers, Charles H., 30. 

Russell, .Tohn E., 10, 11. 110. 



S 



Salisbury, lion. Stephen, 107. 
Salisbury, Stephen Jr., IS, 29, 51 ; 

liberal'contributicni from. 29, 51. 
Sanborn, Prof. F. ().. 27. 
Sanford Hon. John E., 92. 
Scarce publications, 11)4. 
Scarcity, the standard of ^alu.j, lOS. 
Scripps, John L., ;5I5. 
Seagrave, Daniel, 26, 27, 47, 49, 50, 

52. 
Sheldon, Hon. George, 80 ; letter of, 

49. 
Shumwav, Henry L. 51, 112. 
Shurtleff'Dr. Nathaniel B., 75. 
Sidney, Sir Philip, 6:5. 
Smith, Henry M., 29, 46; piper on 

Western Reminiscences. ;;2-15. 
Smith, James A., 50, 111. 
Society's Room to be op^'n Tuesday 

evenings, 52. 
Special meeting, 10, 
Sprague, Gen. A. B. R., 20. :'.0. 
Standish, Miles, librars- of. 55, 
Staples, Samuel E., 9,' 11, IS, 19, 2i;. 

28, 30, 46, 50, 52, 53. 



Sternhold and Hopkins' psalms, 64, 

65 ; selections from, 65, 66. 
Sternhold, Thomas, 65. 
Stevens, Henry, 75. 
Synod of 1647, 73 



T 



* Tate and Brady, collection of 

psalms, 64, 65. 
Tate, Xahum, 64. 
Te Deum, origin of, 57. 
The American Traitor, 113. 
The Celestial Country, 59. 
The Stranger and his friend, 79. 
The West of to-day, 45. 
Thomas, Isaiah, 74. 
Thompson, Eben F., reading by, 26. 
Tolman, Albert, 28. 
Treasurer's report, 111, 
Trumbull, George A., 89. 
TyL-r, Rev. Albert, 12. 



U 



Upham, Joel W.. 89. 

Union jjassenger station. 91 ; cost of. 
103. 

Union school of New London, teach- 
ers. 121 ; first pro2irieturs. 122. 

^' 

Vander])ilt, Cornelius, 55. 
Viaduct, cost of, 103. 

W 

Washburn, Charles F., 26, 30. 

Watts' psalms and hymns, 7(! : cop- 
ies sold, 77: lirst American ecli- 
tion, 78 : lirst used, 78 : select- 
ions from, 77, 78. 

Webster, Daniel, 38 : at Chicago in 
1837, 39 : his favorite hymn, SI. 

Webster, Fletcher, 39. 

Weld, Rev. Thomas, 69. 

Wentworth, John, 39. 

W]ie(>ler, ^Vil]iam A., 14. 

Wilder, Harvey B„ 29. 



o Note. — The First Church (Old South) of Worcester, substituted iu place of the New Eng- 
land version, as revised by president Dunster and Mr. Lyon, the Tate and Brady version of 
the Psalms, with an appendix of scriptural hymns of Dr. ^Vatts, Nov. 29, 1701. January 20, 
1790, Dr. Watts' coUeotlon took the jjlace of the preceding,'. 



Mu. nil. 



EARLY RECORDS 



OF THE 



TOWN OF WORCESTER. 



Book II. 1740- 1753. 




WORCESTER, MASS. : 

THE WORCESTER SOCIETY OF ANTIQUITY. 

1880. 
U. S. A., CIV. 



EARLY RECORDS 



OF THE 



TOWN OF WORCESTER 



Book II. 1740-1753. 




WORCESTER, MASS.: 

THE WORCESTER SOCIETY OF ANTIQUITY, 

1880. 
U. S. A., CIV. 



EDITION : 
TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY COPIES. 




^fjt l,|}ffrcf3ti*r $onctu of J^iitiquitij. 

The following vote was passed at the adjourned regular meet 
ing of the Society held Tuesday evening, November ii, 1879 • 

■' Voted that Franklin P. Rice be, and he hereby is, author- 
ized to edit and publish for The Worcester Society of Antiquity, 
the second volume of the Records of Worcester, the same to be 
entitled ''Early Records of the Town of Worcester,'' and numbered 
VIII. of the publications of the Society. 

A true copy of the Record. 

Attest: Daniel Seagrave, Secretary. 



EARLY RECORDS, 



EARLY RECORDS 



OF THE 



Town of Worcester 



Att a General Town meeting held at Worcester, March 3'' : 
1739-40, for y*^ Choice of Town officers and other public affairs. 
John Chandler Esq'' being Chosen modrator, y*" following person> 
ware Chosen Town officers for y*" year Ensuing, Vizt : 

John Chandler Esq'', mr. Nathanil moore, C. Benj" F[l]agg, ('. 
Danil Heywood, Jonas Rice, Esq'', Sele6lmen. 

Jonas Rice, T. Cler. 

Elijah Cook, James How, Constables. 

C. Benj" Flagg, T. Tresurer. 

John Chandler Esq'', C. Benj'' Flagg, Jonas Rice, Assessors. 

Ballmer Golding, John Stearns, Eliakem Rice, Solomon Johnson. 
Curneilus waldo, Danil Huberd, James Callwell, Jotham Biglo. 
Isrial Jenison, Danil Boyden, Elisha Smith, Surveyrs of highways. 

John Chadwick, Sealer of Lether. 

James Tailor, C. Markitt. 

Samuel Dunkin, Danil Boyden, Mical Lovewell, Isaac Fisk. 
hogreives. 

Joseph Temple, Samuel Dunkin, field Drivers. 

Isreal Jenison, Absalom Rice, Eliakem Rice, fence Viewers. 

Jacol) Holmes, Joseph Crosby, Tythingmen. 

James Holdin, Joseph Rug, To preserve y" Deer. 

Sworn. John Chandler, Modr. 



lO 



Early Records. \\^\q. 



Voted that y* Article Relating to y'^ School be Refered to y'' ad- 
journment of this meeting for further Consideration, and that in 
y'^ mean time Cpt. Heywood, Leiut. Golding, John Cirtice, Ensign 
Rice, Cpt. moore & mr. Elisha Smith be a Comitte to projeft and 
prepare a vote for y'" better Reglating of y"' Schoole or Schools for 
y^ year Ensuing & they are Desired to give notice of y' time & 
place of their meeting that So any of y' Inhabitents as See Cause 
may have opertunity to offer to them Such Scheem or Scheems as 
they may Judge proper. 

The Seleamen laid before the Town the return of Several high- 
ways by them laid out, vizt. a way Extending from the South East 
Corner of mr. Edward Durants Land Southriy to y' County Road 
et northeriy to y' Road Leading from y"^ meetinghouse by pine 
medow. also a Road Leading from Shrewsbury Line near the 
house of Isaac miller to y*" Countrey Road which Returns ware ac- 
cepted by y'' Town and voted to be Recorded, also Voted that 
y'^ Return of an other Road through Thomas adamses Land '&c. 
be Refered to the adjournment of this meeting for further Con- 
sideration. 

Voted that y'' Incourigment for Killing of Rattle Snaks for y' 
year Ensuing be one Shilling for Each provided y'' tails thereof be 
brought to y'^ Town at a Town meeting & afterwards Consumed 
to asshes. 

Voted that y*" Rams be Restrained from going at Larg in y* Town 
of Worcester from y' Tenth Day of august next till y' Tenth Day 
of November following on penelty of ten Shillings to be payd by 
f owner of any Such Ram or Rams going at Large as aforesd to 
be Recovered by y' Town Tresurer to be applyed for y^ use of y' 
poore of Sai.l Town and that it Shall be Lawful! for any person be- 'jj 
ing an Lihabitent of this Town who Shall fiend any Ram or Rams 
going at Large as aforesd to Cutt Sd Ram 6c be Lidemnified for his 
So doing. 

Voted that y" Incourigment for Killing of Birds in this Town, 
vizts. black Birds from y' first Day of april to y*^ Last Day of may ii 
next and also for woodpeckers & blue Jays y' whole year next En- 
suing be three pence f head provided y' heads are brought and 
presented before the Town at their meeting for Debt and Creditt. jl 



1740.] To7uu of Worcester. 11 

Voted that Colon Chandler, Cp'. H'eywood and major Rice be 
a Comitte to Setle accounts with the Town Tresurer and the Rev'' 
mr. Isaac Burr and obtain a proj^er Discharge of him, in wliich 
they are to a(^l; according to their best Discretion and Report to 
y'' Town at the adjournment of this meeting of their Doings for 
acceptance. 

voted that Colon Chandler, Henry Lee Esqr. and major Rice 
be a Comite to Receive y" accompts of y"" Trustees of the Sixty 
Thousend pound Loan and to make full Inquirey into that aflair 
and Report to y"' Town at the adjournment of this meeting what 
may be proper further to be Don Relating thereto. 

voted that Decon moore, Cp'. Flagg, Cp'. Heywood, Mess'". 
Charles Deavenport, P^dward Durant <S: John Cirtice be a Comitte 
to take into Consideration the Petition of John Stearns & others 
Respecting the Granting them the hind Seet in y*" mens Side 
Gallirey and Report what they may think proper to be Don in 
answer thereto & make Report thereof at y" adjournment of this 
meeting. 

voted that y'^ Petition of y*" Inhabitents of y" Southwesterly part 
of y*" Town Praying to be Set off in order to be EretTted into a Sep- 
rate Township with part of y*" Neighboring Towns be Dismissed. 

voted that y*" Sixty pound aditional money granted to y'' Revd 
mr. Isaac Burrs Salirey be Continued During the Towns pleasure. 

voted that y*^ Northrly part of the Town Comonly Called North 
Worcester agreeable to y'' Pertition Line formerly Run be Set of a 
Distinct & Seperate Township if it be y*^ pleasure of y*" grate it 
General Court in Consideration of Their grate Distance from y*^ 
place of public worship.* 

voted that y" article Relating to y"" making further adition to y'' 
Revd mr. Burrs Sallery be Refered for further Consideration to y'' 
adjournment of this meeting. 

in answer to y'^' Petition of Jacob Holms voted that he have 
Lil^erty of keeping three Gates on y*^ Road Latly Layd out through 
his Land till y*" first of June next and then two Gates to y*^ Eand of 
this year. 

*This part was set off as a separate townshij) and incorporated oy the 
General Court in 1740, under the name of Ilolden. 



12 Early Recoj^ds. [1740. 

at y^ Disire of Isreal Jenison Layd out y*" following Town Road 
two rod wide begining at Shrewsbury Line near y'' house of mr. 
Isaac miller So to Run as y" path is now trod & So to Extend to 
y'' Countrey Road. 

James Tailor ") Sckfimeji 
Worcester, Febr 3'": 1739. James moore >- of 

Benj" Flagg ) luorcesicr 



at a meeting of y*^ Sele6lmen of Worcester & at y*" Desire of Sev- 
eral of y*^ Inhabitents of Sd Town a Town way was Layd out two 
rod wide Said Road begining two Rod westrly of y* most South- 
eastrly Corner of y*^ Farm m''. Edward Durant now Dwells on then 
Extending northrly two rods Eastrly of y'' Sd Durrants Land & two 
rod within y'' Land of mr. John Stearns whear Sd Town Road 
shall meet with y*" Road formerly Layd out by the Propriators 
Comitte then Said Road to run through y*" Land of messurs Benj*^ 
Flagg, Benj° Gates, Palmer Golding as formerly Layd out by Sd 
Comitte till it meets y" Road Leading to y' meeting house by pine 
medow. also Layd out a Town Road three rod wide begining at 
Said Southeastrly Corner of Sd mr. Durants Land Bounding East- 
rly by y*^ Land of mr. John Stearns i*y: Extending Southerly till it 
meets with y'' Countrey Road. 

James Tailor ") Seleflmen 
Worcester, Febr 15 : 1739. James moore > of 

Benj" Flagg ) zvorcesier 

the above mentioned Roads ware accepted by y*^ Town & [or- 
dered] to be Recorded and then y"" meting was adjourned 
till monday y'' 28 day of april next at one a Clock afternoon. 

Attest: John Chandler, modrat. 

Worcester, march 3*^, 1 739-40. 
we y" Subscribers being Inhabitents of y*" Town of Worcester Pro- 
test against y^ Proceedings of y'' Town meeting now held in y' 
meetinghouse in this Town for that the Determination of y*" Sele6l- 
men of Said Town Concerning Voters in Said Town meeting is not 



1740.] Town of Worcester. 13 

according to y^ Laws of this Province in that Case made and pro- 
vided but they have totally Excluded us tho' Qualified according 
to Law.* 

,i Joseph Dyar 

the mark of 

X 

Jezeniah Rice 

the mark of 
X 
Samuell Dunkin 

William Johnson 

Danil Dunkin 

Thomas Richardson 

Joseph Temple 



att a Town meeting held at Worcester y*^ 20 day of may 1 740 
John Chandler Esqr. was Chosen modrtr. 

Attest: Jonas Rice, T Clerk. 

at Sd meeting Voted that y*" following Sums be granted to y'' fol- 
lowing persons, vizt : 

To James Forbus for Danil Holdins Rates 

To John Caldwell for his mans Rates 

To Robert Blare for warning people out of Town 

To Danil ward for takeing Care of ye meetinghouse 

To John Chandler Esqr. for Banisters, under pining ye 

meetinghouse, nails &c. to Compleat ye Same 
To Palmer Golding 4 Ratle Snaks & 7 birds heads 

*This is the first of a series of protests entered upon the town records by 
Joseph Dyer, an eccentric characler who combined the occupations of law- 
yer and shopkeeper. For twenty years he continued to interpose his ob- 
jedlions to the proceedings of the town, refusing to hear his burden of tax- 
ation, which could only be coUecled through process of law. Finally in 
1759. he was committed to jail for the non-payment of a fine, where he re- 
mained live years, obstinately refusing all offers of accomodation. In 1764 
the sum necessary for his liberation was raised by subscription, and he was 
forcibly ejected from the jail, protesting as he went. While in confine- 
ment he compiled a dictionary of the English language, which was after- 
wards published. For a more extended account of him, see History of Wor- 
cester by William Lincoln. 



I. 


II. 


II 


2. 


00. 


00 


0. 


10. 


06 


2. 


10. 





'3- 


7- 


4 


0. 


5- 


9 



14 Early Records. [i740- 



o. 


6. 


9 


3' 


7- 





o. 


2. 





o. 


2. 





o. 


2. 


6 


o. 


6. 


3 


o. 


12. 





o. 


3- 


9 


o. 


2. 


3 


o. 


7- 





o. 


6. 


6 


o. 


4- 


9 


o. 


5- 


6 


o. 


3- 





o. 


3- 





o. 


2. 


6 


o. 


I. 





o. 


5- 





o. 


5- 


9 


27. 


13- 






To andrew mackfarlind 4 Tails & 15 heads 

To Do<flor Harvey 67 Tails 

To mr. James Tailor 2 Tails 

To Samuel Dunkin 8 heads 

To Benja. King 10 heads 

To Leiut. holdin i Tail 21 heads 

To Samuell Thomas 12 Tails 

To Charls Adam 3 heads & 3 Tails 

To James How 9 heads 

To Robert Blare for 3 Tails & 1 6 heads 

To Joseph Crosby for 26 heads 

To Danil ward for i & 15 heads 

To obediah ward for i Tail 18 heads 

To Thomas Rice i Tail 8 heads 

To Decon moore 2 Tails 4 heads 

To Thomas Hagitt 10 heads 

To John Tatman i Tail 

To Danil Boyden 20 heads 

To Ephrim Rice 23 heads 



voted that y'^ Sum of 1 2 pound be granted for purcshing plank 
for y*" Covering Such Bridges in y'' Town as needfull. 

voted that y^ Sum of fifty pound be granted for the purchasing 
a Town Stock of ammunition y'' Sele6lmen to Lay an account 
thereof before y*" Town for their further Dire6lion. 

voted that y'' Sum of one hundred pounds be granted for y^ 
Suport of y^ Schools in y^ Town for y'' year Ensuing fifty pound 
whearof to be applyed towards keeping a Gramer School in y*^ pres- 
ent Schoolhouse y" other fifty pounds to be divided Equaly among 
y* Quarters or Skirts as usuall provided y'^ Body of y*' Town keep 
a Gramer School y*^ year & Save y'^ Town from presentment and 
provided also that y*^ Quarters or Scirts of y" Town do in y'' the 
whole have Twelve months Schooling of a writing Schoolmaster 
and all y*" Schools to be free. 

voted that y'^ aforesd Sums be Leveyed on the Poles and Estates 
of y'' Town agreeable to Law by y'^ assessors for y" Charges of y*^ 
Current year. 



1740.] Town of Worcester. 15 

voted that mr. Palmer Golding, mr. Gershom Rice Jur., mr. 
James How and Cp'. James moore be a Comitte to procure a prop- 
er lc Suitable Schoole master or masters for y'' keeping Schools in 
y"^ Quarters or Skirts of y'' Town agreeable to y'^ Towns vote. 

voted that y*' Report of John Chandler F^sqr. & others Relating 
to y^ Trustees of y" 60000^ Loan be accepted and y^ Trustees are 
Diretled to act & proceed accordingly Said Report to Lye on file. 

voted that y'' Report of John Chandler & others Relating to y" 
Setlement of accouts with y'" present Town Tresur and with y*' 
Revd mr. Burr be accepted in y*^ Several parts thereof & that Said 
Report Lye on file. 

y'" verble Report of Decon moore & others on a Petition of John 
Stearns Jur. ct others Considered & voted that y*" Petition be Dis- 
missed. 

The Petition of Gershom Rice & others Relating to their being 
Sett off to Joyn with Some of y^ neighbouring Towns to be made 
a Seprate Township being Read and Debated the Question was 
put whether y*" prayer of y'' Petition be granted & it passed in y*" 
negitive. 

Voted that Coll. Chandler, major Rice, Henry Lee Esqr. Cp'. 
Flagg, Cp'. Heywood, L*"'. Golding, Decon moore, mr. James 
Tailor, Lei'. Holdin be a Comitte to Lease out the Schoole Lands 
& medow y'' year Ensuing for the most they will fetch, that they 
also prepare & Lay before the Town Some proper projection or 
Scheem for the beter Improving of y*' ministry Lands & Schoole 
Lands or for Disposing thereof that So y^ Town may Reep y^ whole 
benifitt that may arise therefrom. 

In answer to y*^ Petition of Charles Davenport & others voted 
that Cp'. moore, Leiu'. Golding & mr. James How be a Comitte 
to Confer with the Honrble the Justices of the Court of General 
Sessions of y'^ peace for this County at their next Sessions about 
y^ hanging of y*" Bell ifc to offer that in Case y" Bell be hung at or 
near the meetinghouse y*" Town will be at y" whole Cost of hanging 
y" Same e^ Ringing of it for y*" Service of all y^ Courts from time 
to time within y*^ County. 

The aforegoing vots were past 

Attest: John Chandler, modrator. 



1 6 Early Records. [i740- 

Thear having been a disput for Some time Relating to the Bounds 
between the Towns of Worcester and Shrewsbury in that part whear 
the DweUing house of Isaac miller Junr. now Stands the Selectmen 
of Each Town this Day mett and in order to put a final issue to 
Said Disput have agreed as follows : 

( I ) we Each of us own and agree to bigin to Renew Bounds 
at the north Eand of the Long Pond So Extending by the antient 
marks till we Come to a wallnut tree mark' Standing in y" Land of 
Said miller which wallnut hath been heartofore Renewed by y" Se- 
le6lmeu of Said Towns. 

2. To Extend on a Strait Line from Said wallnut to a heep of 
Stons at or near the north East Corner of y'^ Land James How and 
which heep of Stones hath been Renewed as the Line between 
Said Towns. 

3. Agreed to meet at y* house of mr. Joseph Crosby on the 
first monday of may next at nine of the Clock before noone to pro- 
ceed on Said affair. 

Dated at Worcester, April 7 : 1 740. 

Slireiusbury Se/etl/nen. Wo/rester Sek^men. 

Nahum ward Jonas Rice 

Isaac Stone Nath" moore 

Thomas Hapgood Benj" Flagg 

Cyprion Kyes Danil Heywood 

Persuant to y*^ within agreement y* Selectmen of both the Towns 
within Named met at time & place mentioned in Sd agreement 
and Run the Line between Said Towns from the Long Pond by a 
wallnot tree a Bound mark in y*" Line between Said Towns Stand- 
ing in Isaac millers Land and from thence to a heep of Stons in 
Said Line above James Hows and we find the Dwelling house of 
Isaac miller to be in y'' Town of Shrewsbury. 

Nahum ward ") Nathanil moore 



William Taylor I Sclcnmen Jonas Rice / . 

Isaac Stone \ of Danil Heywood t , 

Thomas Hapgood I Shrewsbury Benj" Flagg ^ 
Cyprion Kyes J 



Seknmen 

of 
Worcester 



I74I-] Tozvn of Worcester. 17 

at a meeting of y*" freeholders & other Inhabitents of Worcester 
Qualified to vote in Town affairs Leagly warned & met on Wednes- 
day y*"' 24 day of Decemr i 740 

at Sd meeting Henry Lee Esqr. was Chosen modr. 

Attest: Jonas Rice, T Cler. 

at Sd meeting y'' Petition of Cp'. Danil How & others with y'' 
order of y" General Court being thereon Red* 

voted that y* Town will make answer thereunto. 

voted at Sd meeting that Coll. John Chandler their Represent- 
titive, Cp'. Benj* Flagg & Henry Lee Esqr. be Desired & are hear- 
by Impowered to make Such answer to Sd Petition in behalf of y'' 
Town in Every Respect as they think most proper. 

Attest: Henry Lee, modr. 



att a General Town meeting held at Worcester on the Second 
day of march 1740-41 for y^ Choice of Town officers &61 

John Chandler Esqr. Chosen modr. 

The following Persons ware Chosen Town officers &61 : 

William Jenison Esqr. mr. Palmer Golding, Cp'. James moore, 
mr. John Stearns, [Gershom Rice Jr. ?] Sele6lmen. 

major Jonas Rice, Town Cler. 

mr. Tyrus Rice, Alexander m'^Conkey, Constables. 

John Chandler Esqr. Town Tresur. 

mr. Palmer Golding, John Chandler Elsqr. mr. Joshua Eaton 
Jur. assessors. 

Messurs. Palmer Golding, John Stearns, John Tatman, Andrew 
m''farlind, Cornelious Waldo, Daniel Hubbert, John Curtice, Danil 
Boyden & William Harise, Surveyers of highwayes. 

John Chadwick, Sealer of Leather. 

James Tailor, Clerk of y*" markit. 

Thomas Parker, Isaac Fisk, Field Drivers. 

*The article in the warrant referring to this matter was " for the Town to 
hear the Petition of Cpt. Danil How & others Inhabitents of ye Town of 
Shrewsbury Relating to maldin farm prefered to ye General Court a Coppy 
of which being Left with ye Selecflmen of ye Town with ye order of the Gen- 
eral Court thereon." 



1 8 Early Records. [i74i- 

James Glassford, Nathanil moore Jur. obediah ward, Joseph 
Temple, Eliakem Rice, Hogreives. 

Danil Holdin, Absalom Rice, Fence Veiwers. 

Ebenezer Flagg, Edward Knight, James Boyd, Tythingmen. 

Danil Hubberd, John Curtise, for y* preservation of Deer. 

all y'' aforesd officers Except y^ Town Tresurer and John Chand- 
ler Esqr. assessors, ware Sworn in y" meeting by Coll Chandler. 

voted that the Sele6lmen provide a Suitable & proper Schoole 
master the year Ensuing at the Charge of the Town. 

The Sele6lmen Layd before the Town a Report of a highway to 
be opned Leading from halfway River by major Rices house to- 
wards the north Eand of the Long Pond which was Read and 
Voted that mr. Joshua Eaton, Ensign Ward and Cp*. Danil Hey- 
wood be a Comitte Carefully to inquire whether there was Land 
Left by the Propriators as is Set forth in Sd Report Especially 
through y'' Land of Elisha Hodge and Report at y'' adjournment 
of this meeting. 

Voted that the Rams be Restrained from going at Large in y"" 
Town of Worcester from y*^ Tenth Day of august next till y*" Tenth 
Day of November following on penelty of Ten Shillings to be payd 
by y*^ owner or owners of any Such Ram or Rams going at Large 
as aforesd to be Recovred by y" Town Tresurer to be applyed for 
y*^ use of y'^ poore in Said Town and that it Shall be LawfuU for any 
person being an Inhabitent of Said Town that Shall fiend Jmy Ram 
or Rams going at Large as aforesd to Cutt any Such Ram and be 
Lidemnified for his so doing. 

Voted that y*" Incourigment for Killing of Ratle Snaks for y* 
year Ensuing be one Shilling for Each provided the Tayl thereof 
be brought to the Town at a Town meeting and afterward Con- 
sumed to ashes. 

Voted that the Incourigment for Killing of birds in this Town 
vizt blackbirds from y*^ first Day of april to y*^ Last day of may next 
and also for woodpeckers & Blue Jays y*^ whole year next Ensuing 
be three pence for Each head provided y'^ heads are brought and 
presented before y"" Town at their meeting for Debt c^ Creditt. 

Voted that Coll Chandler, m^ Joshua Eaton Jur. & m^ Pallmer 
Golding be a Comitte to Setle ac(Sts with y'' Rev'' mr. Isaac Burr 



I74I-] Tozvn of Worcester. 19 

and with the Late Town Treasurer and Transmitt the affair over to 
y'^ new Treasurer and procure a proper Discharge from mr. Burr. 

Coll. Chandler from y*" Comitte aiy[3ointed by y" Town in may 
Last on the affair of the ministriall & Schoole Land Laid before 
the Town a Scheem for Leasing the Same which was Read and 
Referred to the adjournement of this meeting for ferther Consid- 
eration. 

The Town took into Consideration the ninth article in the war- 
rent Relating to John Star and after Some dabate had thereon 
Voted that Inasmuch as the Said John Star was Duly warned to 
Depart the Town and Said warning aproved by the Court of Gen- 
eral Sessions of the peace that therefore he ought not to be a Town 
Charge but be returned to y'' place he Last Come from before his 
Coming to this Town. 

The aforesd votes 'past Attest: John Chandler, modr. 

and then the meeting was adjourned to monday y'^ Twenty third 
Instent at two of the Clock afternoon and all Such matters as are 
not finished are Continued to Said Time for further Consideration 

Attest: John Chandler, modr. 

Memorandom at Sd meeting a Register of Deeds and a County 
Tresurer ware Chosen. 



at a Town meeting held at Worcester by adjournment march 23'' 
I 740-1 

voted that John Kathan Chosen Surveyr of highways and Sworn. 

voted that y" Report of the way Leading to John Kathans be 
accepted & Recorded. 

The Report of the Comitte about y'' ministrial & School Land 
Read and the Question was put whether the Same be accepted it 
past in y® negative. 

The Report of y'' Sele6lmen Dated march 2'' : 1740-41 Reffered 
to this meeting Read & the Same being putt to vote it past in the 
negative. Attest : John Chandler, modr. 

Worcester, march the 21 : i 740-1 

whearas aplication hath been made to us the Subscribers Sele6t- 
mon of Worcester bv m\ John Kathan of Said Worcester Setini; 



20 Early Records. \\']\\. 

forth to us the nessesity of having a Town way Layd out from Said 

Kathans house in Worcester Leading into Worcester Town untill it 

meets with y^ Town way formerly Layd out by y'' Selectmen of 

Worcester as far as y^' house of Samuel Dunkin in Said Worcester 

we having taken into Consideration the Request of Said John 

Kathan are of oppinion that it is not only of nessesity but very Con- 

veinent to Lay a way out as above Desired and therefore on y* 

Day and year aforesd have Layd out a way begining at Leicester 

Town Line near Said Cathans DweUing house in Worcester and 

from thence as y*" path is now troden «S: made use of untill it Comes 

to Kittle Brook So Called to y" place whear y" Bridg is made 

over Said brook and So from Sd Bridg as the path is trod & used 

untill it Comes to Samuel Dunkins Dwelling house and So untill it 

meets with y" former Town way at y*' SouthEast Corner of his field 

that the Sele6lmen of Worcester hath allredy Layd out to be two 

Rods wide Excepting on y^ north Side of Kitel Brook and from 

Sd Kitel Brook northward the way to be four Rods wide untill it 

Coms up to y*' Top of y*" hill for the Conveincy of making the way 

up Sd hill there are Trees marked on y** west Side of Sd way all 

which is Subbmited to the Said Town for acceptence only whear 

we begun at Leicester Line there is a Stake & Stones. 

William Tenison -. r- i n 
-,, „ V. 1 !■ ) Selectmen 
Pallmer Goldmg (^ r 

Tames moore ( -^ . 

■; , ^ ) Worcester 

Jonn Stearns ^ 

Worcester at an adjournment of the march meeting to march 
23 : 1 74 1 at two a Clock afternoon the above Report was Red & 
accepted by y" Town & ordered to be Recorded. 

Attest: John Chandler, modr. 



at a Town meeting held at Worcester on monday the Eleventh 
day of may 1741 John Chandler Esqr. was Chosen modrator. 

Attest: Jonas Rice, T Cler. 

at Sd meeting voted the following Sums be granted to the fol- 
lowing Persons vizt : 



o. 


II. 


O 


o. 


iS. 


O 


0. 


4- 


O 


o. 


4- 


o 


o. 


I. 


o 


o. 


7- 


6 


o. 


I. 


6 


o. 


3- 


o 


o. 


5- 


9 


o. 


3- 


3 


o. 


3- 


3 


o. 


3- 


o 


o. 


I. 


9 


o. 


5- 


o 


o. 


3- 


o 


o. 


2. 


9 


o. 


2. 


9 



1 741.] Town of Worcester. 21 

To william Callwell for 1 1 Ratlc Snaks Tails 

To Joseph Crosby for 3 Tails & 63 birds heads 

To Samuel Duncan for 4 Tails 

To John Chandler Esqr. 4 Ditto ^ 

To Cpt. Heywood i Ditto 

To Charles Adams 4 Tails & 14 birds heads 

To Henry Lee Esqr. 6 birds heads 

To Tiras Rice 1 2 heads 

To Elijah Cook 23 heads 

To Cornelious waldo 13 Dito 

To Thomas Glezen 13 Dito 

To Benja. Gates 12 Dito 

To Samuel Andrews 7 Dito 

To Ensign Rice 20 Dito 

To Nathaniel moore Jur. 12 Dito 

To Decon moore 1 1 Dito 

To Palmer Golding 1 1 Dito 

To Ensign ward 17 Do o. 4. 3 

To major Rice and others for Repairing the Bridg by Ephriam 
Rices house, vizt : 

To major Rice 
To Ephraim Rice 
To Absalom Rice 
To Eliakem Rice 
To Jonas Rice Jur. 
To Abisha Rice 
To Danil Dunkin 
, To Thomas Rice 
To Jotham Rice 

To Ensign ward for Sweeping & taking Care of ye 

meeting house one year 3. o. O 

To James Furbus for James Hows Rates being 

Removed i. H- n 

To Samuell Rice for James mconkeys Rates he 

being Removed 2. 11. 6 

To Samuel Rice for Isaac millors Pole Tax i. 19. 11 

To mr. Jenison for preaching 3- O- o 

Voted that the Sum of Twenty pounds be granted 

to be Raised the present year for the School 20. o. o 

voted that the SurpUisag of the money granted the Last year af- 
ter the Schools are payd for tliat were kept and the fifty poimd 



0. 


14. 





0. 


5- 





0. 


5- 





0. 


5- 





0. 


8. 





0. 


5- 





0. 


5- 





0. 


5- 





0. 


5- 






2 2 Early Records. [1741. 

granted for y*' Town Stock be applyed for the providing a Suitable 
and proper Schoole master for the year Ensuing Including the 
Twenty pounds granted this year. 

voted that the Comitte for Settling ac6ls with y'" Rev'^ mr. Burr 
and the Late Town Tresr not having Compleated that affair they 
are further hearby Impowered to Settle the Same and make Re- 
port thereof to the next Town meeting for approbation. 

The fourth article* in the warrant was also by vote Refered over 
to y'^ Same time. 

at Sd meeting y'' foreging votes past 

Attest: John Chandler, modr. 



Att a Town meeting held at Worcester on monday y'' Sixteenth 
day of nov ember AD 1741 being Regulerly assembled 

at Said meeting John Chandler Esqr. was Chosen modr. 

Attest: Jonas Rice, T Cler. 

Voted that the accutt of Cp'. Benjamin Flagg Late Tresurer 
for y" Last year as Represented by John Chandler Esqr. and others 
a Comitte be accepted and allowed & ordered to Lye on file. 

The Petition or Request of the Rev'' mr. Isaac Burr Relating to 
his Sallery was Read & Debated & thereupon voted that the Rev"* 
mr. Burrs Sallery for y'' present year & during his Continuing in 
y*" work of the ministry among us lie made Eaqual to what money 
was at the time of his Settlement having Reguard to the Difference 
between Silver money & Bills of Creditt then and at this time and 
So annualy and that the assessors do from year to year Conform 
themselves thereto in making y" assessment Provided he give to 
the Town a full el- ample discharge from any Demand on y'^ Town 
from y" Time of his Setlement to the End of the Last year for any 
Suposed Defeciency and y* assessors are to Inquire what y* Dif- 
ference is at y*" time of mr. Burrs Setlement and at this time and 
the Town allow I'wentynine Shillings in paper to be Equall to one 
ounce of Silver at this time and major Rice, Cp*. Heywood, 

* "'In answer to ye Pctiliun of Elisha Smith & others to See if ye mani- 
fadluery Bills Shall pay all Town Debts for ye year Ensuing." — Warrant. 



I74I-] Town of Worcester. 2^ 

L". Guiding and Cp'. moore are appointed a Comitte to wait on 
mr. Burr and Know his mind hearin. 

voted that y" Sum of forty Two, Shillings & Seven pence be al- 
lowed to Robert Peables now of a place C'alled Lisborn Late Con- 
stable of this Town for Josiah Lyons Rates & that the Sum be 
added to y" Town Rate of tliis year. 

voted that Sum of Thirty pounds be added to y'' Town Rate and 
assessed on the Poles iS: Estates of y^ Town this present year to be 
applyed for Supporting the Schools ^.l' other Charges. 

voted that the Sum of forty pounds be assessed on the Poles and 
Estates of the Town this present year and added to y" Town Rate 
to be applyed for and Towards Paying for the one half of the Bell 
purchised by y" Town & County — and Henry Lee Est[r. eS: Cj/. 
Heywood are appointed a Comitte to See the building Erected for 
hanging y*^ Same on at y" place formerly agreed on by y*" County 
and Town — Said Comitte to Joyn with the Comitte of the Court, 
that they Lay the one half part of the whole Charge eS; of hanging 
y*" Same before y'' Town for payment. 

voted that the fifth article in y*' warrant Relating to Thomas 
Adams about a Road being Layd through his Land be Continued 
to y^ annual meeting in march next for further Consideration. 

voted that y*" Trustees of the Sixty Thousend pound Loan be 
disired to put a Speedy Issue to that affair that So the Town dont 
Suffer by their negle6t and Cp*. Flagg, Leiut Golding & m''. Elijah 
Cook are appointed a Comitte fully to Incpiire into that affiur and 
Lay y*" Same before y'' Town at their next meeting or as Soon as 
may be that So it may be Known what is Coming to y" Town or 
what may be due to the Trustees. 

The Seventh or Last article in y*" warrent being fully debated the 
Question was put whether the Town would accept of the Road* 
therein Expressed & Save the Charge of a Jury Laying open the 
Same it past in the negative by grate majority. 

The foregoing votes past 

Attest : John Chandler, modr. 

*■" — a Road Latly I.ayd out bv a Comitte of the Court of Sessions Lead- 
ing over Raccoon plain and througli Klisha Hodges Land." 



24 Early Records. [1742. 

Worcester, Decemr 17 : 1741. 
These presents may Certifie that this day Robert Barber Latly 
Chosen Constable for Worcester Took the oath of office before me. 

John Chandler, Justs peas. 



al a meeting of y" Inhabitents of Worcester Decern'' 14 1741' at 
Sd meeting Cp'. Uanil Heywood was Chosen modrator. 

Attest: Jonas Rice, T Cler. 

at Sd meeting Robert Barber was Chosen Constable in the 
Room of ahxander m'onkey he being Removed out of Town. 

Voted that y*^ vote past y'^ Last Town meeting Relating to the 
Bell be Reconsidered & made voide. 

voted that mesures Jonathan Gates, Joshua Eaton Jur. Danil 
ward, Elijah Cook & James Boyd be a Comitte to give Reasons to 
y** Court of Sessions why y^ Town has not Layd out a Road through 
Elisha Hedges Land. Attest: Danil Heywood, modr. 



at a General Town meeting held at Worcester march 8 : 1 741-2 
at Sd meeting John Chandler Esqr. was Chosen modrator. 

Attest: Jonas Rice, T Cler. 

at Sd meeting y" following officers ware Chosen, vizt : 

John Chandler Esqr. Cp. Danil Heywood, Solomon Johnson, 
Elijah Cook, Joshua Eaton, Seleftmen and assessors. 

Jonas Rice, T. Clerk. 

Coll. Chandler, T. Tresurer. 

Ephrim Rice, Constable, p*^ his fine. 

william m'^han, Richard Flagg, Constables. 

Palmer Golding, John Stearns, absalom Rice, Zechery Hervey, 
Thomas Stearns, James Boyd, John Chadwick, nath" moore Jur. 
Joseph Temple, John Cathan, Surveyrs of highways. 

John Chadwick, Sealer of Lether. 

Cp'. Heywood, Cler of markitt. 

Thomas Parker, Isaac Fisk, field drivers. 

Elisha Hedge, Danil Dunkin, fenc viewrs. 

Thomas Glezen, Joseph Crosby, Tythingmen. 



174--] Town of Worcester. 25 

Cj)'. James moore, Ephriarn Rice, to take Care of y® Deer. 
John (jates, Danil Boyden, micall Lovewcll, william Harise, 
Ebenezer Flagg, hogreves. 

voted that the Selectmen provid a Suitable Schoolmaster at y'' 
Charge of y" Town the present year. 

voted that Palmer Golding, Cp. Heywootl iv James How be a 
Comitte to Setle accfts with y*" Town Tresr & also with y'' Revd mr. 
Burr and Report at the next Town meeting. 

Cp'. Flag & mr. Cook from y*" Comitte appointed on y'' affair of 
y*^ ^60 000 Loan made Report which was Read «S: accepted & 
thereupon voted that upon y'' I'rustees paying unto y'' Town Tres- 
urer for the use of y'' Town the Sum of Eleven pounds nine Shill- 
ings part of the Intrest remaining in their hands they be fully Dis- 
charged from any furthor Demands the remaining part of the 
Intrest money being allow.^d them for their Trouble. 

voted that the allowence heartofore granted for Incourigment 
of Killing of wolves Rattlesnakes & birds be the Same for y*^ year 
Ensuing in all Regards. 

voted that y'" Constal)les for y^ present & futer years and untill 
the Town Shall otherwise order be So far Excused fiom paying 
anything Towards the Taxes for that year for which they are Cho- 
sen for their own Poles that y*" Same be Repayd them out of the 
Town Tresurey. 

The Eighth article in y'' warrant was negitived about alowing 
Tirus Rice & Danil ward anything for a highway going through 
their Land. 

voted that in Respect of y'^^ ninth article in y'' warrant that y" 
Town will not Excuse mr. Dyer from l)aying his Taxes to mr. Con- 
stable How but that y'' Town will Support y'' Sd Constable in his 
Lawfully Colecting Such of the Taxes as are unpaid in Case Said 
Dyer Still Refuses to pay the Same. 

voted that there be granted the Sum, of one hundred iK: fourty 
pound Equal to the old Tenner Bills of Creditt for the purchising 
the l)ell wholly for y'' use of the Town which y" Town i.t Count\- 
had proposed to l)uy between them to be Leveyed as other Town 
Charges are agreeable to Law. 



26 Early Records. [1742. 

voted that this meeting be adjourned till monday y" 19 day of 
april next at two of y^ Clock in y'^ afternoon and that the 5"' article 
and what Remains of y*^ fourth article be Continued with the meet- 
ing then to be a6led in if y^' Town See Cause. 
The aforegoing votes past at Sd meeting. 

Attest: John Chandler, modr. 
Worcester the 8"' day of march i 741-2. 
We y*^ Subscribers being Inhabitents of y"" Town of Worcester 
Protest against the proceedings of the Town meeting now held in 
y*-' meeting house in Said Town for that the Determination declared 
by the modrator of Said meeting Concerning voters in Said Town 
meeting is not according to the Laws of the Province in that Case 
made & provided but we are Totally Excluded thereby tho' Qual- 
ified according to Law. 

Joseph Dyer 
William Johnson 
Zechariah Hervey 



Worcester, april 19 : 1742. 

Received of Cole" Chandler Town Tresurer on acct of my Sal- 
lery for y" year 1741 the Sum of one hundred & Forty pounds 
Bills of y'^ old Tenor I Say Received 

'^ Isaac Burr. 

^140. 00 • 



att a Town meeting Held at Worcester april 19 : 1742 by ad- 
journment from march 8 174 1-2 

voted that the Comitte for fencing y'' burying place be desired 
with utmost Speed to accomplish that affair in Such manner as the 
major Part of them Shall Judge most for advantige and Lay their 
account before y*" Town for allowence This article is in Conse- 
quence of the 4 article in y'' warrant for y*^^ march meeting nothing 
was a6ted on the 5 article* and then the meeting was Dissolved. 

Attest: John Chandler, modr. 

* "' Returns of Such Town Roads as have ben or Still may be Layd out 
before Sd meeting." — Warrant. 



1742.1 



Tozvii of Worcester. 



at a (General Town meeting held at Worcester apri! 19 : 1742 
at Said meeting John Chandler Ksqr. was Chosen modrator 

Attest: Jonas Rice, T C'lcr. 
at Said meeting voted that the following Sums be granted to the 
following Persons, vizt : 

To Danil Biglo fifty three I'irds heads 
To Roliert (iray three Tails & nine heads 
Danil ward Twelve heads 

Danil Hubert 2 Tails 20 hcds & for 70 feet of plank 
John Tatman Twelve heads 
Elijah Cook Thirty four heads 
Joseph Crosby fifty nine heds iS: for [dank 
Ephrim Rice fifty two heads 
James How Twenty two heads & for plank 
James Holdin nineteen heads 
John Kathan Twelve heads 
John Smith Three Tails 
Thomas Rice fifty four heads 
adam Johnson nine heads 

John Chandler Esqr. Seven Tails Twenty five heads 
Ensign Rice Sixty five heads 
Isaac witherbee Six Tails c\: four heads 
Danil willard for work don on ye meeting house 
To Tirus Rice for Caring webstor out of Town 
To Ensign ward for plank & taking Care of ye 

meeting house 
To Elijah Cook for James magregrees Rates 
Samuel Rice for James allexanders Pole Tax 
To John dates for nine Tails 

iS. 18. 5 

voted that one hundred pound liC granted for the 
Suport of a Schoole ye year Ensuing to be 
disposed of to the best advantige by ye Se- 
lectmen 100. o. o 

119. iS. i:; 



I. 


5- 


9 


0. 


5- 


3 


0. 


3- 





0. 


'5- 





0. 


3- 





0. 
I. 


8. 
I. 


6 
3 


0. 


13- 





0. 


9- 





0. 


4- 


9 


0. 


3- 





0. 


3- 





0. 


14. 


6 


0. 


2. 


3 


0. 


13- 


3 


0. 


16. 


3 


0. 


7- 






3- 


15- 





2. 


7- 


7 


I. 


19- 


II 


0. 


9- 






voted that nine months of the Schooling be divided into four 
quarters of the Town K(iualy and the Schoole to be kept at Dea- 
con moors, Thomas Parkers, Henry Lees F^scjr. and mr. Elisha 
Smiths the other Three months at the School house agreeable to 
former votes. 



28 Early Records. [1742. 

Cp'. Heywood & James How Two of the Comitte for Examining 
y" Town Tresurers accuts made Report under their hands which 
was Read & accepted & ordered to Lye upon file. 

voted that the Sele6lmen as assessors do Imediatly make the 
assessment of the one hundred and fourty pound for the Bell as 
near as may be according to the List of Estates for y*^ Last year 
haveing Reguard to persons Removed out of y*" Town or into the 
Town. 

voted that the Sele6lmen Lease out y" Schoole Lands near the 
meeting house for y" present year. 

voted that all the money tlue to the Town from persons not Ser- 
ving as Constables to this time the Rent of y'' Schoole Lands heth- 
erto and for the present year and the money due from the Trus- 
tees amounting in y^ whole to the Sum of fourty one pound fifteen 
Shillings and one peney be applyed Towards paying the Town 
Debts and that all the Taxes to be made this present year for pay- 
ment of the Town debts that Sum Less then the whole Grants will 
be. 

Decon moore one of the Trustees of y*^ 60. 000 Loan agreeable 
to y^ vote of the Town in march Last payd Eleven pound nine 
Shillings for the Service of the Town. 

voted that they be discharged fully from any further Demands 
Respe6ling that affair. 

ordered that the Revd mr. Burrs Receipt for y" Last year be 
Read & kept on file. 

The aforegoing affairs ware Transadted & voted at Said meeting. 

Attest: John Chandler, modr. 



at a meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitents held at 
Worcester on monday the 17'^ day of may A D 1742 upon Due 
warning given John Chandler Es(]r. was Chosen modrator. 

Attest: Jonas Rice, T. Clerk. 

voted that the following Sums of money in old Tener be Granted 
& to be Leveyed & assessed agreeable to Law for the following 
uses namely — 



7- 


o. 


lO 


2. 


8. 


o 


O. 


12. 


2 


I. 


O. 


6 


I. 


4- 


o 


O. 


I. 


3 


O. 


8. 


o 


O. 


I. 


o 


O. 


2. 


r. 


O. 


I. 


b 


I. 


2. 


o 


o. 


4- 


() 


o. 


S. 


6 


o. 


9- 


o 


o. 


lO. 


6 



1742,] Tozu}L of Worceste}^. 29 

to Ciidian Baker for his Town & ministr Rates for 

ye year 1 741 
To David Bancroft for his Taxes ye Last year 
To James Donlap his Hell Rate - 
To Doctor Hervey for 18 Tails & 10 heads 
To Samuel Thomas fo Twenty 4 Tails 
To Jotham Rice 4 heads 
To Cpt. moore 32 heads 
To Samuel Andrew i Tail 
To Thomas Parker 10 heads 
To Cpt. Flagg 6 heads 
To John Chandler 72 heads & 4 Tails 
To Thomas Rice 18 heads 
To Joseph Clerk 34 heads 
To John Chandler Jur. for nails 
To Richard ward for plank 
To Palmer Golding for 119 feet of plaid< Seven 

heads and Six Tails i. 2. 1 

To Danil willard for work on ye meeting house i. 10. o 

To Phineas Pratt for his Pole Tax to [ ] Bell o. 1 1. o 

voted that all Such Persons as Shall within three weeks l)rinu 
Tails or heads to y" Town Tresurer Shall be allowed them pro- 
vided they are burnt and the money to pay for them be added to 
y*" Sums alredy granted. 

In answer to y" Request of the Rev** mr. Isaac Burr of the i 7'** 
of april last to y'' Sele6tmen to be Communicated to the Town it 
was voted by a Grate majority that his Sallery for the future Shall 
be fifty pounds Lawfull money of this Province and the assessors 
are Derecled annualy To assess & Levey the Same agreeable to Law 
provided he give the Town a full & ample Discharge from all De- 
mands on any accoimt to the Close of the Last year which he has 
or may apprehend he hes on the Town for any Deficiencys or 
otherwise and the Sele6lmen or the major part of them are ap- 
pointed a Comitte to Inform him of this vote and to take his Dis- 
charge it See the Same Entred on Record in y*" Town Book & to 
be kept on file. 

The 4 article in y*" warrent Relating to a part of the Town being 
Set of with part of Sutton &c. Into a Seprate Town being Read 
and a Debate had Thereon the Question was put if y" Town wou!<1 



30 



Early Records. 



[1742. 



grant y"" Same So far as they Could it pased in the negative & 
Thereupon voted that y^ Petition be desmissed. 

The fifth article in y*" warrent being Read the Question was put 
whether the Schoole which at y'' Last Town meeting was ordered 
to be Kept at mr. Elisha Smiths in y'' Quarter of the Town Called 
Cp'. moores Quarter be Removed k kept at Said moores Hohse as 
usual it passt in y'^ affirmative. 

Attest: John Chandler, mod. 



at a Town meeting held at Worcester July 19 : 1742 

at Sd meeting John Chandler Esqr. was Chosen modrator 

Attest: Jonas Rice, T Cler. 
at Said meeting the Sele6lmen Laid before the Town a List of 
persons Qualified to Serve as Jurymen agreeable to Law which was 
accepted of by the Town and one quarter part of the names weare 
by the [ ] voted to Serve at the Supeirour Courts & Courts of 
asize — and the Rest at y*" Courts of Sessions and Infeirour Courts 
and put into Separate boxes accordingly The Lists are as follows 
vizt : 



The Infeirour Court. 

major Jonas Rice 
mr Palmer Golding 
mr Danil Boyden 
mr Elisha Flagg 
mr David Young 
mr Abisha Rice 
mr James Goodwin 
mr Joseph Temple 
mr Robert Gray 
mr Jotham Rice 
mr Samuel Eaton 
mr Robert Barber 
mr William Jenson 
mr Jacob Holmes 
mr Jonas Rice Jur. 
mr Elikiam Rice 
mr Timothy Green 
mr william Gray Jur. 



mr Edward Knight Jur 
mr Robert Blare 
mr Joseph Rug 
mr Joseph Crosby 
mr Thomas Parker 
mr Thomas Glezen 
mr Isreal Jenison 
mr Tirus Rice 
mr mathew Gray 
mr Andrew mcfarlind 
mr Charles Adames 
mr micah Lovell 
mr Absalom Rice 
mr Benja Gates 
WW Jonathan Gates 
mr Nathll Spring 
mr Ebenezer Flagg 
mr Xathll moore [ur. 



mr Danil Biglo 

mr Ebenezer willington 

mr Isaac witherby 

mr John Hill 

mr James Forbus 

mr Danil ward 

mr Danil Dunkin 

mr obadiah ward 

mr Samll Thomas 

mr Thomas Adames 

mr James How 

mr Samll Andrew 

mr Isaac Fisk 

mr Francis Harrington 

mr John Gates 

mr Joseph Clerk 

mr Jonathan Bullerd 



1742.] 



Town of Worcester. 



31 



ye Siipeirotir Court. 

Decon Nathanil moore 
mr Thomas wheeler 
mr Joshua Eaton 
mr Samuel mower 
mr Elisha Smith 
mr John Chad wick 



mr Thomas Rice 
mr James 1 loldin 
mr fohn Stearns 
mr James Boyd 
mr Danil Hubbard 



mr Isaac moo[r]e 
mr John Cirtice 
nn- Thomas Stearns 
mr Elisha Hedge 
mr Joshua Child 



mr ( jershom Rice Jur. C James moore 



The article in the warrent Relateing to the Bell was put off to 
the adjournment of this meeting till the fierst monday of Septem- 
bor next at three a Clock in the afternoon then to be Considred 
of &:c'. and the meeting was by a vote adjourned accordingly to 
Said time. Attest: John C'handler, modrator. 



at a Town meeting held at Worcester august 9 : 1742 at five a 
Clock afternoon for y^ Choice of Jurymen. 

at Said meeting mr. James Boyd & mr. Isreal.Jenison ware Cho- 
sen to Serve on y*^ Grand Jury at y^ Supeirour Court etc. 

and Decon Nath" moore, mr. Thomas Stearns & mr. Elisha 
hedg, mr. Isaac moore ware Drawn to Serve on y*" Jury of Tryals 
at y" above Sd Court. 

and Edward Knight Jun. at y^ Infeirour Court &c. 

Jonas Rice, T Cler. 



at a Town meeting held at Worcester January 17:1 742-3 at four 
a Clock afternoon for y'^ Choice of a Juryman at Sd meeting Elisha 
Flag was Drawn to Serve on the Jury of Tryals at y*" Court in Febry 
following. Attest: Jonas Rice, T Cler. 



att a meeting of y'' Qualified voters of y^ Town of Worcester 
September 6 : 1742 att Three a Clock afternoon held by adjourn- 
ment from y^ 19 of July Last. 

persuant to the vote of the Town at Said meeting the Town 
now Took into Consideration the article in the warrant Relating to 
hanging the Bell and granting money for y'^ Same and Come into 
y^ following vote — 



32 Early Records. [i743- 

vizt : that a Suitable and afeclTtual Steeple be Ere6led at the west 
End of the meeting house adjoyning Thereto to hang the Bell on 
to be handsomly and Compleatly finished and of Such Dementions 
in all Regards as y'' Comitte to be apointed Shall Judge proper in 
which they are to make Three Doars. 

That the Sum of one hundred & forty pounds Equal to old Tener 
be and hearby is granted to be Leveyed on the Poles and Estates 
as other Town Charges are and to be made and assessed with the 
other Sums alredy Granted to be Collected and paid to the Town 
Tresurer by the fierst of march next which Sum togther with Sixty 
pounds Subscribed by perticular persons be applyed for building 
Sd Steeple and hanging the Bell and to be payd by the Town 
Tresurer for that purpose as he Shall Receive orders for y'^ Same 
from y" Selectmen. 

and Messurs Thomas Stearns, Palmer Golding, Danil ward, 
James Boyd and Danil Hubbard be the Comitte to See the affair 
Compleated by Leting out the Same to Some good workman or 
workmen and to be Effecfted as Soon as may be. 

The aforesd votes passed at Sd meeting. 

Attest: John Chandler, modr. 



Worcester march 7: 1742-3. 

William Gray Jur. was Chosen to Serve on y*^ Jury of Tryals at 
the Court in may next. 

and m''. Robert Barber to Serve on the Grand Jury the year En- 
suing. Attest: Jonas Rice, T Cler. 



att a General Town meeting held at Worcester march 7 : i 742-3 
Regulerly assembled for y*^ Choice of Town officers for y*^ year En- 
suing &61. 

att Said meeting John Chandler Esqr. was Chosen modrator. 

Attest: Jonas Rice, T Cler. 

John Chandler Esqr. mr. Thomas wheelor, C Danil Heywood. 
C Benj* Flagg, mr. Palmer Golding, Sele6lmen & are Sworn as- 
sessors. 

major Jonas Rice, T Cler. 



1 743-] Toivn of Worcester. 33 

Thomas Parker, Charles Adames, Constables & payd their fine. 

michiall Lovel, Thomas Adames". ■;* 

John Chandler Esqr. Town Tresr. 

John Curtise', Palmer Golding'^ James Holdin", John Eoyden-, 
Samuell moore", Danil ward', James Boyd', Elisha Smith', D N 
moore', John Kathan, Surveyrs of highways. 

John Chadwick", Sealor of Letther. 

Joseph Clerk', Francis Herrington', field Drivers. 

Elisha Hedge', Absalom Rice', Fence Viewers. 

Abisha Rice', Abraham wheelor', Tythingmen. 

Solomon Johnson', Ephriam Rice', Deer Reives. 

Jonathan Gates', Adonijah Rice, william Harrise', Robert (iray. 
william Gray, hogreives. 

John Curtice', Cler of y'' markitt. 

all the officers that have a Dot Set against their names wear 
Sworn to y^ faithfuU Discharg of their Respective offices. 

The County Tresurer was voted for and the Constal)le Took \-' 
votes. 

voted that the Selectmen be Directed & hearby are fully Im- 
powered to provid a Good & Suitable Schoole master for y'" year 
Ensuing. 

voted that Leiutt Golding, Cp. Heywood c*i: m^ James How be 
a Comitte To Settle accutts with the T Tresurer and the Revd 
m"". Isaac Burr & Report thereon. 

Voted that the Roads Layd out by y'^ Selectmen and bv them a 
Return made to this meeting for acceptence be accepted & allowefl 
vizt : 

one Road Leading from Joseph Grays by Robrt Barbers To 
Town, one from mr. Thomas wheelors and a Drift Road through 
his Land to land of william Earl, and a Cart or Drift Road through 
Land of Danil Biglo & John Boyden to y*" french River medows as 
in y^ Returns they are Severly Expressed. 

voted that y*" bounty or Incourigment for Killing of v/olves Rat- 
tle Snaks Birds be Continued for y'^ year Ensuing. 

a Petition of Ephraim Curtis, Thomas Richerdson & others 
Living on the Countrey Gore So Called Lying between this Town 
& Sutton Praving the Town to give their Consent that Said 



^ 



34 Early Records. [i743- 

Gore of land with the Inhabitents thereof may be annexed to y^ 
Town for the Reasons in their Said Petition mentioned 

voted that tlie Town C'hearfully accept of their offer and pray 
they be annexed to &. for y*" future be accounted as a part of y* 
Town of Worcester to doe Duty & Enjoye Equel previledges with 
us If it may be Consistent witli y*" wisdom of the Grate & General 
Court to annex them to the Town. 

voted that the Comitte for fenceing the burying place be Desired 
with all possible Speed to Compleat that affair and that y* Same 
be Inclosed with a Board fence lett Into Cedar posts and Lay 
their accuts before y*" Tovv'n for payment. 

voted that y^ Selectmen be a Comitte to Run & Renew the 
bounds of the ministerial! & School lands with all Conveinint Speed 
vS: if any persons have Tresspassed thereon to Enquire who they are 
vS: Report to the Town thereof and Further that they be &: hearby 
are fully Impowred To Lease out all or any part of the Schoole 
Lands and medows for the most they Can for a Term of years not 
Exceeding Seven in which they are to use their best Discretion 
and to give notice of the time and place of meeting for that pur- 
poss. 

and that for y*' present the Southrly part of the School land near 
the burying place be not Leased out but that a Strait line from the 
Southwest Corner thereof or from y*^ South East Corner of John 
Chandlers Jur. land to y" Little Bridg in y*" Road below the burying 
place be fixed & that what Lyes without be not Improved till the 
further order of the Town. 

In answer to the nineth article in y*" warrant 

voted that in as much as it will be very Chargable to y^ Town to 
have the Sheriff with a Jury to open the Road therein Referred to 
that therefore the Town doe hearby accept of the Road agreeable 
to the Report of Nahum ward Esqr. Samuel willerd & John Keys 
Esqrs. a Comitte of y'' Court of General Sessions of y'' peace held 
at Worcester in august A 1) 1741 and made to Said Court in no- 
vember following and by that Court accepted and that the Road 
be opened accordingly. 



1 743-] Town of Worcester. 35 

The afore Votes passed at Sd meeting, 

Attest: John ("handler, modr. 

Worcester y'" Seventh Day of march 1742-3. 
I y*" Subscriber being an Inhabitent of y'' Town of Worcester in 
the Province of y'' massacluisets Bay in New England Trotest 
against the Proceedings of y"' Town meeting now held in y'' met- 
ing house in Said Town for that y" List of persons allowed to vote 
in Said meeting is not according to the Law of y" Said Province in 
that Case made & provided by which List they have not only Kx- 
cliided me Tho' Qualified according to Law but have also wholly 
Excluded william Johnson, Danil Dunkin. John Ciates, Noah Jones, 
[ohn Kathan, Absalom Rice, Samuel Rnlstone. lAike ISrown, Rich- 
ard Flagg, Elisha Flagg, Joseph Gray, John Hill, william martain, 
Ebenezer willington, David young & John Hamblton and Several 
others Inhabitents of Sd Town that are (Qualified according to Law. 

Joseph 1 )yar. 

Worcester January 28 : 1742-3. 

Whearas the Inhal)itents of the Town of Worcester at a meeting 
Regulerly assembled on monday the i 7"* day of may A I) 1742 
did by a grate majority vote that for the future my Sallrey Should 
be fifty pounds LawfuU money of this Province provided I gave to 
the Town a full and ample Discharge from all Demands on any 
accuts to the Close of y'" Last year which I may apprehend I have 
on the Town for any Defisiency or otherwise I do therefor hearl)y 
Redily Declare my acknowlidgment for their handsome vote or 
grant and I accept the Same and do hereby fully and absolutly ac- 
quitt and Discharge the Town from any Demands for any Defi- 
ciency in my Sallery or any accutt whatsoever to the Close of y'' 
Last year and hearby Do absolutly debarr myself my heirs Execufs 
& adminstrs of and from any Demands whatsoever on accu" of my 
Sallrey or any Deficiency thereof from my Setlement to y'' Close of 
the Last year as aforesd as witness my hand the Day ifc year afore- 
said. Isaac Burr. 

Worcester, Ss. January 28 : 1742-3. 

The Rev*^ mr. Burr acknowlidged the above & foregoing to he 
his Z.&. and Deed before me. John Chandler, Jus' pece.s. 



o 



6 Early Recoj^-ds. [i743- 



at the Desire of Sundry persons we y*^ Subscribers Sele6lmen of 
Worcester have laid out the following Town Road or way vizt : 

begining at a heep of Stones a Littel westward of a pond hole 
in y^ Northernly bounds of land which Joseph Gray bought of ma- 
jor Thomas (ireen & from thence Extending Southerly on y" best 
land for a way to a white oak Tree marked in Sd Grays Southrly 
bounds & Continueing near y*" Corse till it Comes to y*^ Estrly Side 
of a little Swamp & there bearing westrly to y" line between Said 
Greens land & land of y'' Honrbl Samuel waldo Escjr. South of Said 
Swamp (!v: thence Southrly in y'' line between Said Gentlm land to be 
of Equel wedth out of both their land till it Comes to land of Jo- 
siah Flagg which he bought of Said Green & is his Southweslrly 
Corner & there to run between Said waldos land & land of Sd Flagg 
till it Comes to Small Distence South of weasele Brook to an old 
Path way and thence Southwestrly in Said old path near as the 
Same goes viz' : on y*^ most Suitable land for a Road till it Comes 
to y'' house of Robert Barber Said Barber making y*" Road through 
ills Improvements good at his own Cost & Charge and from Sd 
Barbers house as y*" path goes over his mill Brook & then as Soon as 
y'' land will admitt to pass between land of mr. Cornelious waldo & 
Thomas Gleason to Sd Gleasons Southwestrly Corner & thence 
near as y^ path is trod hurting Said waldos plain as litle as may be 
and as near to Dansons medow as y'' land will Reasonably admitt 
of till it meets with y^ Road or way Leading from y'' house william 
martin now Dwells in to y" meeting hous y" Road to be two pearch 
wide. 

John Chandler ~) SeleHmen 
Worcester february 5 : 1742-3 Danil Hey wood > of 

Solomon Johnson ) worces/ej- 

at y* march meeting in Worcester y* 7'^ day 1742-3 we laid y^ 
within Road before y* Town for approbation and wear Informed 
that y'^ Honrbl Samuel waldo Esqr. Joseph Gray & Robert Barber 
are Consenting hearto. 



John Chandler ") Sclcflmen 
Danil Heywood V of 
Solomon Johnson ) ivorcester 



1 743-] Town of Worcester. 2)7 

Worcester Ss. at y'' amuil I'own meeting in Worcester mart h 7 : 
1742-3 y" within Road was accepted \^ y^ Town. 

j^tti'st: John Chandler, mo(h-. 

Worcester febry 20''' : 1742-3. 

at the l^esire of Sundry persons we y'' Subscribers Sele6lmen of 
y"" Town of Worcester have Repaired to Bogachoag in order to Lay 
out a Road going partly through land of Danil Biglo c^; partly 
through land of John Boyden till it meets with the French River 
medovvs So Called and are of opinion that there is an absolute ne- 
cessity for a Road for People to Cart of their heay (S:c : and there- 
fore Report our opinion for the Towns acceptence that y'" Propria - 
tors of Said medow have Liberty to pass from the Countrey Road 
leading to oxford through the Southrly part or Southeastrly Cor- 
ner of Danil Biglos Land angleing as y^ path is now trod and 
through the north westrly Corner of John Boydens land as y'' path 
is now trod to y'' French River & So over the River Said way to 
be only a Drift way for Carting hay &c : the people So passing 
CarfuUy to put up the Bars and further that y*" Propriators of Said 
medow have Liberty of Carting a Cross the medow of nathanil 
moore Jur. for their hay. 

John Chandler \ Sclccimcu. 
Danil Heywood >- of 
Elijah Cook ) luora'Sicr 

Worcester Ss. at the annual Town meeting in Worcester march 
7 : 1742-3 the within Report was accepted "jf^ y'^' Town. 

Attt'sf: John Chandler modr. 

Worcester march 7: 1742-3. at y*" Desire of Sundry persons 
In y'^ month of Decembor Last Jt Sence we laid out a Town way as 
follows vizt : to begin in y*" bounds between the the Land of 'Phom- 
as wheeler and James Trobridg whear y'' Road is now trod and 
from thence between Said Trowbridgs land as y'' way is n^ow used 
till it meets with David Youngs land then partly a Cross Said 
Youngs land partly a Cross land formerly laid out to Palmer 
[oulton?] & waldo Crossing halfway River by a line of mark trees 
till it Comes into y*^^ Road leading from Solomon Johnsons liousc 



38 Eaidy Records. [i743- 

to Isaac moores the Road to be two parch wide on y" Southrly 
Side the marks which we now present to y*^ Town for allowence 
and apprehend the Same to be very needfull for persons living that 
way we also Report by the Consent of y" Said vvheelor that from 
whear we began on y*" above Road there be a bridle or Drift Road 
laid out Through Said wheelors land in y'' place that will doe him 
y*^ least Damige and that will Suite best for a bridle & Drift way to 
the Eastrly part of the land now belonging to william Earl which 
was formerly James Thorntons for y*^ accomodating those that doe 
now & may hearafter dwell there to Come to Town. 

John Chandler -, <• , r-r 
Danil Heywood [^ . 

Solomon Johnson t -^ ^ 

T-,-- 1 / ■ 1 ) Worcester 

Elijah Cook ^ 

at y* annual meeting in Worcester march 7 : 1742-3 this Report 
was accepted %} the Town. 

Attest: John Chandler, modrator. 



,4 



Province of the 
massachiisets Ba 

To his Excelcy Govmer Shirley the honble Counsel 
&: Representives in Gener^ Court assembled at Boston march 31 : 

1743- 

The Petition of the Subscribers Dwelling on or Intrested in 
Lands lying between the Towns of Worcester and Sutton in the 
C'ounty of Worcester humbly Shews that your Petitioners have al- 
ways attended on the publick worship of God with our friends of 
Worcester that we have always payd Province and County Taxes 
there and no where Else. 

That on our Petition to the 'I'own of Worcester in march Instent 
at the annual meeting they ware pleased to Express their willing- 
ness to Receive us as i)er our Petition & their Vote Copies whearof 
accompeny this will appear. 

Whearfore your Petitioners humbl)' pra\' )-our Excy c*»: hours 
would be pleased in your grate (Goodness to anex y" togther with 
the Lands Lying between Worcester and Sutton Commonly Called 



1 743-] Town of Worcester. 39 

the Gore to the Town of Worcester there to doe Duty ^\; Receive 

Priviledge & as in Duty bound Shall ever pray. 

John Barber ^ l";i)h[r]aim Curtis 

Tho' Richardson Jabez Tatman 

Danil Boyden mathias Rice 

Jonas woodard Tim" (Ircen 

Worcester, Ss. 

I Certifie that the Petitioners within mentioned have from their 
begining payd Province and County Taxes to the Town of Worces- 
ter. Jonas Rice, T Cler of Worcester. 

march 29 : i 743. 

In the house of Repres^^'' april 5 : 1743. 
Read and ordered that the Prayer of the Petition be granted and 
that the Petitioners be and they hearby are togther with their lands 
and Estates hearin mentioned lying between Worcester and Sutton 
Commonly Called the Gore be annexed to the Said Town of Wor- 
cester there to do Du[t]y and Receive priviledge accordingly. 
Sent up for Concurrence 

T Gushing, Spek''. 

In Councel april 5 : i 743 Read & Concurred 

J willerd, Secery. 

Consented to 

W Shirlv. 



at a Town meeting held at Worcester may 16 : 1743 Regulery 
asseml)led John Chandler Ks(ir. was Chosen modrator. 

Attest: Jonas Rice, T Clerk. 

John Chandler Esqr. Town Tresurer laid before the Town his 
accu' whearby it appears that the Sc\'eral payments he hes made 
amounts to y" Sum of Two hundred & fifty Six pounds fourteen 
Shillings & one peny old Tener. 

Voted that he be Discharged of So much and that further accu' 
for y"^' Sum of Two hundred & Six ])ound 'i\vo Shillings A Seven 
pence old Tener when Received. 



40 Early Records, [1743. 

Voted that the Several Sums following be granted to be payd to 
v" persons to whome y^ Same is Due in Sums following vizt : 

To Richard Flagg for willinms Bell Tax 
To Ditto for Solomon Gates Taxes 
To nathaniel Spring for his Taxes 
To Gidian Baker for his Taxes 
To abisha Rice for his Sons Bell Tax 
To Danil Dunkin his Sons Pole Tax 
To John Chandler Jur. for a Lock for ye pound 
To major Rice for Charges about ye Road alowed 

by ye Sessions 
To Danil ward for Taking Care of ye meetinghouse 
To Thomas Stearns for 370 feet of plank 
To Ebenezer Flagg for 140 feet plank 
To Richard ward for Sawing plank 
To James Boyd for plank &c 
To David Young 12 heads & 2 tails 
To wUliam Johnson for work- 
To william Harrise for his Bell Tax 
To Edward knight for Tails 
To Elisha Smith 58 heads & Two Tails 
To Joseph Crosby 1 1 heads 
To Danil Knight 2 heads 
To Isaac witherbee 2 Tails 
Charles adames 12 heads i Tail 
Elijah Cook 11 heads 
To Decon moore 31 heads 
To Thomas Parker i head 
To william mahan 2 heads i Tail 
To michal Lovell 27 heads 
To Ephraim Curtise 14 heads 
To Thomas Rice 13 heads 20 Tails 
To Palmer Golding 1 1 heads 
To Docter Hervey 11 heads 
To Cpt. Flagg 4 heads 
Voted that in Consideration of Grate Sickness in 

Francis Heringtons family his Taxes for ye 

Last year be repaied him being i. o. 33-4 

Voted that Twenty pounds Lawfull money be granted for ct To- 
wards the Suport of a School the year Ensuing to be Disposed of 

by the Selectmen for y'^ best advantige. 



0. 


2. 


10 


0. 


12. 


63-4 


0. 


6. 


I 


0. 


12. 


63-4 


0. 


12. 


63-4 


0. 


2. 


9 


I. 


10. 





0. 


15- 





0. 


II. 


I 


0. 


4- 


I 1-2 


0. 


6., 


3 


0. 


6. 





0. 


I. 


3 


0. 


5- 





0. 


12. 


3 


0. 


0. 


6 


0. 


4- 


6 


0. 


2. 


9 
I 1-2 


0. 


0. 


6 


0. 


I. 





0. 


2. 


9 


0. 


I. 


II 1-4 


0. 


0. 


3-4 


0. 


0. 


41-2 


0. 


I. 


81-4 


0. 


0. 


10 1-2 


0. 


5- 


9 3-4 


0. 


0. 


Si-4 


0. 


0. 


81-4 


0. 


0. 


3 



1743'] Toivn of Worcester. 41 

voted that the above Sums amounting To Twenty nine pounds 
four Shillings and Sixpence be assessed on the Poles an<i Estates 
of the Town agreeable to Law — by the assessors of the present 
year. 

at Sd meeting Zechriah Hervey was Chosen Surveyor of high- 
ways for y*" year Ensuing l'v; Sworn. 

The vSaid Zechriah Hervey was Chosen Constaljle in y'' Room 
of michal Lovell who was Excused by the Court and having the 
oath Tendred to him in the meeting he Refused and Said he would 
not Serve but on y"" 15"' of august i 743 he took the oath of Con- 
stable before me John Chandler, Jus' pe. 

voted that in answer to the article in y" warrant Respecting a 
School being kept in y" midle of the Town Constcntly that Coll. 
Chandler, major Rice, Cp'. Heywood, mr. Thomas wheelor, C"p'. 
moore, mr. John Curtis, mr. James How, Leiu'. Rice, mr. Cook, 
Decon moore, L (Moulding, mr. E^lisha Smith and mr. Robert Bar- 
ber be a Comitte to proje(ft and Lay before the Town at y' 
adjournment of this meeting a proper Scheem therefor and for 
Suporting proper Schooling in the out parts of y'^ Town. 

Voted that in answer to y"" Last article in y'' warrant major Rice, 
Decon moore, Coll. Chandler, Leiut. Golding, mr. Thomas wheel- 
or, Cp. moore, mr. Danil Hubbard & Lieut. Rice be a Comitte for 
Seeting the meetinghouse that for (ienerall Rules they Govrn 
themselves by age pay tt Station or usefuUness in y*^^ Town and 
that they a6l therein according to their best Judgment and Dis- 
cretion. 

voted that in Case the Town Tresur pay any of the above Sums 
Granted at this meeting he be allowed the Same— and Such mone}' 
as may be wanting for the Sui)ort of the School the whole year 
more then the Twenty pounds now Granted be taken out of the 
Surplusage that will be in the Treasurs hands of the Last years as- 
sessment when Reced and the other money Due to y*" Town. 

voted that this meeting be adjourned to the Second monday in 
June to meet at y*" meetinghouse at Eight of the Clock in y'" 
morning. 

The aforegoing votes ware past at Sd meeting 

Attest: John Chandler, modr. 



42 Early Records. [1743. 

at a General Town meeting held at Worcester august 29 : 1743 
Regulerly assembled at Sd meeting John Chandler Esqr. was Cho- 
sen modr. Attest: Jonas Rice, T Clerk. 

voted that Several Sums following be granted to be payd to Y 
persons to whome y*" Same is due — in Lawfull money. 

vizt : To Tyrus Rice for 7 birds heads & one Tail o o 51-4 

To Samuel andrevv for 9 birds & one Tail 009 3-4 

To Palmer (lolding for 3 birds & 2 Tails o o 83-4 

To Cpt. Flagg for 5 birds 003 3-4 

To John Chandler Esqr for 354 birds 122 

To John Chadwick for 30 birds 0071-2 

To Francis llerington for 2 birds 2 Tails o o 71-2 

To Thomas wheeler five birds 003 3-4 

To Joseph Crosby 22 birds o i 10 1-2 

To Benja. Crosby for 15 birds o o 11 1-4 

To Danil Hey wood 8 birds ' 006 

To Samuel mower i bird 3 Tails o o 91-4 

To Elisha Smith 40 birds 026 



Sum Totall Thirty two Shillings 71-4 i 12 7 1-4 

and the assessors are Dire6led to assess y*" Same with y" other 
Town Charges. 

Upon Reading a Pitition of Danil Boyden in behalf of himself 
and others Praying for a Seperate and Distin6t Pricencl to be made 
partly out of this Town and partly out of Leicester Sutton and ox- 
ford prefered to y" General Court and of which the Town have 
been Served with a Coppy to give in answer thereto it was voted 
as follows, vizt : 

that altho y'' bounds or Lands prayd for are very uncertain yet 
by a Plan Laid by Said Boyden before the Town it appears be- 
yound- Dispute that on that part of y^ Land prayd for to belong to 
y^ new pricin6t being a part of Worcester there are about Thirty 
families Included of which but Eleven whereof are now Pititioners 
of which Six are not voters and one is a Single Indian, that the 
Line will Come within about one mile and half of the present 
meeting house which has been finished but of Late years and the 
Town are now Erecting at Considerable Cost k Charg a Steeple 
thereto for hanging a Bell and if a'pricencS. be made and Should 



1743'] Town of Worcester. 43 

Come So near to the Said house it must of Course be a mcens of 
the Same being Removed a Considerable Distence to the no Small 
Cost & Grate Damige of the Town and as they are Two to one in 
the Limits prayd for against Going of tis to be feared they would 
be a Contentious Scocity and further that as the Town have been 
Latlely Divided into Two Towns now to have about fourty jjoles 
Taken of would (Trately weeken us wherefore voted that the Se- 
lectmen or the major part of them be a Comitte in the name of the 
Town to make answer to Said Pitition and use all proper methods 
to prevent a pricincl being made that Shall Include any part of 
this Town and to Cause the Same to be prefered to the (ienerai 
assembley and Inforced and that the Same be prefered by Cap'. 
Flagg our present Representative. 

Attest: John Chandler, modr. 



att a Town meeting of y'' Inhabitents of Worcester Duely Quali- 
fied and Regulerly assembled at the meetinghouse in Said Town 
on monday the 24 day of October i 743 

John Chandler Esqr. was Chosen modr. 

Attest: Jonas Rice, T Cler. 

The following vote past unanimously vizt : In as much as the 
meeting is but thin and the affairs to be Transa6ted of Conse- 
quence and Relate prinsiply to y"^ Raising of money Therefore 
voted that this meeting be adjourned to monday the last day of 
o6lober Instent at one of the Clock after noon Then to meet at 
this place to acl on the perticulers mentioned in y" warrant and y' 
Town Clerk is Directed to post on y'^' Signpost a Certificate of Said 
adjournment. Attest: John Chandler, modrator. 



at a Town meeting of the Inhabitents of Worcester duly Quali- 
fied and assembled at y*^ meetinghouse in Said Town this 31 day 
of oflober 1743 by adjournment from the 24 Instent. 

voted that y" Sum of Three pounds LawfuU money be assessed 
on the Polls and Estats agreeable to Law with y- money allredy 
granted for Town Charges to be payd to y" Town I'resurer A he to 
pay y" County Tax and to be accountable for y"' Surplusage if any be. 



44 Early Records. [i743- 

voted that Thirty four Shillings &: Six pence be alowed to John 
Chandler Esqr. for mending Glase &:6t. 

voted that the Sum of Twenty five pounds Lawfull money be 
Leveyed and assessed on Polls and Estates as other Town Charges 
to be applyed for the finishing the Steeple and hanging the Bell 
and to be payd by the Town Tresurer agreeable to Such orders as 
he Shall Receive from the Selettmen and the Comitte for Erecting 
the Steeple or the major part of them be Impowred to Lett out the 
work to Some Suitable person by the Great — and that they have 
y"" Bell hung and the upper part of the work done Compleat by the 
last day of november next and the body inclosed and the whole 
finished by the Last day of next april provided it Can be done for 
Thirty five pound Lawfull money or one hundred & fourty pound 
old Tener the workman finding Every thing and that the aforesd 
Sums be assessed with the Sums heartofore Granted and all paid 
to the Town Tresurer by the first day of march next. 

voted that the Comitte or the major part of them be Directed 
to new Claboard the west Eand of the meetinghouse as Soon as 
may be and lay their acctt before y^ Town for payment. 

The aforegoing votes ware past at the adjournment of the meet- 
ing. Attest: John Chandler, modr. 



at a General Town meeting held at Worcester December 1 2 : 

1743 

at Sd meeting John Chandler Esqr. was Chosen modrator. 

Attest: Jonas Rice, Town Cler. 

voted that Coll. Chandler, Decon moore, major Rice, M''. John 
Curtis & M^ Samuel mower be a Comitte fully authorized to Ex- 
amin and Settle accounts with the Several persons who have any de- 
mands for labour materialls provisons &61 for the Steeple to the 
Compleating the Raising thereof and up [on] Such Settlement they 
are desiered to Return a List of Such accounts to the Seleilmen 
who are hearby impowered to Draw orders on the Town Tresr for 
the payment thereof Respe6lively. 

Attest: John Chandler, modrator. 



1 744-] Toivn of Worcester. 45 

Worcester the 12 day of march 1743-4. 
I the Subscriber being a Inhal)itent of the Town of Worcester in 
y" Province of the massachusets Bay in New I'lngland Protest 
against the proceedings of the Town meeting now held in y'' meet- 
inghouse in Said Town for that the List of persons allowed to vote 
in Said meeting is not made agreeal)le to the Laws of this Province 
in that Case made it provided by which List they that have Signed 
it as assessors have not only excluded meTho' Qualified according 
to Law but have also wholy Excluded william Johnson, Danil Dun- 
kin, John Kathon, Absalom Rice, Samuell Railstone, Jonas ward. 
Luke Brown, Richard Flagg, Elisha Flagg, John Hill, william mar- 
tin, David young & John Hamblton and Several others Lihabitents 
of Said Town that are Qualified according to Law. 

Joseph 1 )yer. 

at a General Town meeting held at Worcester march 12:1 743-4 
for the Choice of Town officers and other Town affairs att Said 
meeting John Chandler Esqr was Chosen modrator. 

Attest: Jonas Rice, T Cler. 

at the above Said meeting the following persons ware Chosen 
Town officers for y*" year Ensuing vizt : 

John Chandler Esqr., Cp. Danil Heywood, Benj". Flagg Est|r. 
m^ Thomas wheelor, m''. John Chadwick, Sele6fmen. 

Jonas Rice, Town Cler. 

the Selectmen apointed assessors. 

michel Lovewell, Constable. 

Nathanil moore. Constable. 

michol Lovewell in Sd meeting prayd that Docter Hervey might 
be admitted in his Room and promised to give Bond to Indemnfie 
the Town whearupon he was Sworn in the meeting. 

Isreal Jenison, James Holdin, John (iates, Danil Huberd, Thom- 
as wheelor, Dofter Hervey, Elisha Smith Jur. Thomas Richerdson. 
Thomas Rice, Thomas Parker, John Chandler Jur. Robert Barber. 
Surveyers of Highways. 

John Chadwick, Sealer of Lether. 

Jonathan Gates, Francis Herington, Field Drivers. 

Andrew mackfarlind, william mahan, Fence viewers. 



46 Early Records. [1744. 

Jotham Rice, John Boyden, Tythingmen. 

Cp. James moore, James Goodin, Dear Reeves. 

John Johnson, David Bancroft, will Harise, Edward Knight Jur. 
Jezeniah Rice, Joseph Clerk Jur., hogreeves. 

John Chandler, T Tresr. 

John Curtice, Cler of y*" markit. 

The persons Chosen into the Respe6live offices weare Sworn to 
the faithfull Discharg of their office. 

%> John Chandler Esqr. Justice peace. 

voted that the Selectmen be desired to provide a Suitable and 
Legal Schoolemaster fo[r] the Town the year Ensuing as usual. 

voted That Jonas Rice & Benj^. Flagg Esqr. m^ Samuel mower 
and m"". James How be a Comitte to Setle accu"s with the Town 
Tresrr and also with y"^ Rev'' mr. Isaac Burr and Report thereon as 
Soon as may be. 

voted that the Incourigment for Killing wolves & Rattle Snakes 
be Continued for the present year as heartofore. 

The Seventh article in y*" warrant Relating to a Report of m'. 
Jonathan Gates being withdrawn by him in the meeting nothing 
was acted Thereon. 

voted that y^ Petition of michol Hamblton and others* Contained 
in y'' Sixth articl be Referred to y* adjournment of this meeting. 

The Sele6lmen made Report that they apprehended it might be 
of Service to alter a Road Runing through mr. Samuel mowers 
land at Tadnick which was approved of by the Town & ordered to 
be Recorded. 

The Sele6lmen also made Report of a Town Road by them laid 
out of Three Rods wide from Jonas woodwards land to Thomas 
Rices (S:c as '''^ Y Return appears which was approved off by y' 
Town and ordered to be Recorded. 

voted that this meeting be adjourned to y'^ third monday of april 
next being the Sixteenth day of Said month at Two a Clock after- 
noon. 

all y'' aforegoing votes and Choice of Town officers on y*" other 
.Side past at Said meeting. Attest : John Chandler, modr. 

*To free them from paying taxes for tlie school. 



1 744-] Town of Worcester. 47 

Worcester march 8"' i 743-4 wc the Subscribers Sele6lmen of 
Worcester at y*^ disire of mr. Samuel mower did on y'' Said day Re- 
pair to his Farm at Tadniclc Hill iii order to veiw whither the Road 
formerly laid out through his land there might be Something altred 
which leads to Leicester by mr; Isaac moores with out prejudice 
to y'' publick — and having So don Report our o{)inion that the 
Present Road from a bridge Latly built by Said Isaac more near 
the Dividing line between them to within a iew Rods west of a 
bridge built over a brook Runing out of Said Isaac moores lands 
near y*^^ westrly bounds of Said Samuel mowers lands be discontin- 
ued and that in Lieu thereof a Road pass Through Said Samuel 
mowers land from y'' fierst mentioned liridge Something Southerly 
of the present Road to be three Pearch wide on the Southwestrly 
Southeastrly c\: Southrly Sides of a Line or angleing Course of lYees 
marked on y'' Rangeing Sides and op y" Side next y"" i^ropsed Road 
with a blaze and three Hacks Cross y*^ Same till it meets with 
y^ present Road a few Rods westward of y'' Second mentioned 
bridge as aforesd and we now lay y'^ Same before y** Town for their 
acceptance Prqvided Said Samuel movv-er make y" proposed Road 
as feazable as y" present Road to be Discontinued now is at his 
own Cost and Effe6lually Plow y*-' Hill near y*" last mentioned 
bridge taking y^ advantige winding y" Same passing with Teams 
and that he hold & luijoy the present Road in Heu of the new- 
Road now proposed. 

I agree and Consent to the Worcester march 12 : 1743-4. 

above written John Chandler 

Thomas wheeler 
Samuel mower Benj'' Flagg 

Danil Heywood 
at a Town meeting held at Worcester march 12: 1 743-4 The 
within Report being Read was approved and thereupon voted that 
y" Road within mentioned be discontinued and the new Road pro- 
posed in Lieu thereof be Ratified mr. Samuel mower Complying 
A'ith y** Conditions thereof. 

Attest: John Chandler, modrator. 



att a Town meeting held at y*" meeting house in Worcester ajiril 



48 Early Records. [i744- 

1 6 : 1744 by adjournment from y*" 12"" day of march last. 

voted that this meeting be further adjourned to Wednesday the 
1 6 diiy of may next. Attest: John Chandler, modr. 



Worcester march 4 : 1 743-4. 

at the Request of mr. Jonas woodard and others the Subscribers 
have laid out a Town Road Three Rods wide in Said Town be- 
gining at a marked Tree at Said wooderds land So Runing by 
Trees marked on the Southerly and westrly Side of Said Road 
Thro' the land of messurs Thomas Rice, John Barber tS: land be- 
longing to the Heirs of Josiah Rice and Thro' a Small part of the 
land now in possession of mr. John Stowell Then a Cross Said 
'I'homas Rices land till it Extends to the Town Road leading by 
.Said Thomas Rices house to the medow Called great medow. 

Danil Heywood 
Benj" Flagg 
Thomas wheelor 

at a Town meeting held at Worcester march 12: 1 743-4 the 
within Report being read was approved and thereupon voted to 
be Recorded. Attest: John Chandler, modr. 



at a Town meeting held at Worcester by adjournment may 16 : 
1 744 at Three a Clock afternoon. 

The Selectmen made Report of a Two Rod Town way Layd 
out between the Land of Lieu' Gershom Rice and Nathanil moore 
Junr. which was accepted and approved by the Town and then 
the meeting was disolved. 

Attest: John Chandler, modr. 



Worcester may 16: 1744 The Seledmen at the desire & by 
the Consent of Lieu'. Gershom Rice & Mr. Nathanil more Junr. 
Report a Town Road between their Land whear they Live of Two 
pearch wide which Corns near Equal out of their Land and to be 
near as the fence now Stands Saving that Lieut. Rice may move 



1 744-] Town of Worcester. 49 

liis fence a litle Southward at (S: near the west Eand Road this 
way leads to y" house of Kphraim Curtise & we desire y" Same 
may be accepted The fence to be moved to a Litle wallnut So to 
Come into y'' fence a Little Ivastward of it again. 

John Chandler ^ Selcclincn 
Thorn wheeler > of 
John Chaddick ) Worcester 



at a Town meeting Held at y*^ meeting house in Worcester being 
Regulerly assembled on april 16:1 744 at S.iid meeting John ("hand 
ler Esqr. was Chosen modr. 

Attest: Jonas Rice, T Cler. 

The Comitte appointed to Setle accuts with y*' Re\''' mr. Burr 
and Coll Chandler the Town Tresurr made Report which was 
Read and accepted whearby it appeared that the Several payments 
1)V him made amount to one hundred fourty four pound Seven 
Shillings & two pence Lawfull money — voted that he be Discharged 
of Said Sum and that he further accunt for the Sum of Twenty five 
pound Seven Shillings & Seven pence half peney Lawfull money 
when he Shall have Recv'' the outstanding Taxes m''. Burrs accu' 
being included in the Tresu''s accu' he produced a Discharge 
from m"". Burr In full for his Sallary for the year i 743 which the 
Town ordred to be Recorded & keept on file. 

voted that y" Tresuror pay to Do6ler Hervey the Sum of Eleven 
Shillings & Eleven pence for one of michel Lovels poles Six Shill- 
ings & Eight pence for Joseph Bills and Twelve Shillings & four 
pence for Joseph Gareys Taxes Lawfull money being in the whole 
one pound Ten Shillings & Eleven pence i. 10. 11. 

voted that Eleven Shillings & Eleven pence be alowed to m'. 
James Boyd for Danil Frezi [ ?] PoUe. 

That the Tresur alow Constable Thomas Adams for John Burn- 
itts Taxes o. 13. 6. and for one of noah Joneses polls o. 11. 11. 
To Benoney Bailey his minister Tax 1741 o. 3. 6. 

To Lieut Rice for 21 birds o i 5 1-4 

To Cnpt moore for 310 feet iif plank for liridges 094 

To Isaac witherbe abated in his Tax 1743 050 

To James I low for abraham newtons Taxes o 6 21-4 



o 


15 





o 


I 





o 


2 


3-4 


o 





3 3-4 



56 Early Records. [1744. 

To Cpt ward taking Care of ye meetinghouse 
To Leiut Golding for i6 birds 
To Elkanah Cook fo[r] 33 birds 
To Ephrim Rice for 11 birds 

Sum Total 511 61-2 

voted that the above Sums amounting to five pound Iilleven 
ShilUngs & Sixpence half peney be Leveyed and assessed on the 
Poles & Estats of the Town agreeable to Law. 

The aforegoing votes past 

Attest: John Chandler, niodr. 

at a Town meeting held at y'' meetinghouse in Worcester april 
16 : 1744 by adjournment from y*" 12 day of march Last 

voted that this meeting be further adjourned to Wednesday the 
r6 day of may next. Attest: John Chandler, modr. 



a Town meeting duly warned 1!^: Regulerly assembled at the 
meeting house in Worcester on Wednesday the Sixteenth day of 
may i 744 at four of the Clock in y*" aiternoon. 

at Said meeting the following vots past vizt : 

voted that the Sum of three pound Two Shilhngs & 
.Sixpence Eavvfuil money he granted to Discharge 
what may be Due to mr James verney for keeping 
Schoole at Bagchoag in ye Spring of ye year 326 

That three Shillings & ninepence be granted to 

Eliakim Rice for a Rope for ye Bell o 3 9 

that Sixpence be granted to major Rice for Too Tails 006 

To Jacob Smith for Six tails o i 6 

voted that Twenty Seven pound Ten be granted for 
ye Suport of a School in Town as usual for the 
year Currant 27 10 o 

That Thirty Seven pound Ten Shillings be granted 
to purchis a Stock of amminition for the Town 
agreeable to Law to be disposed of by the Se- 
lectmen for purchising tlie Same 37 10 o 



voted that y'' Selectmen do at the Charge of the Town build in 
the Loft of the meeting house a jjroper place to keep the Town 
Stock in. 



1 744-] Town of Worcester. 51 

voted that the Comitte for Icnceing the Burying place be Karn- 
stly (iisired forthwith to accomplish that work & lay their accou" 
before the 'lown for payment. 

a Petition of James Boyd and others Relating to their being 
alowed their own money that is So much as they pay towards 
Schooling in as much as they are at Considrable Cost in provitl- 
ing a person to teach their Children being Read and Considred iV 
the Question being put whether any thing Should be granted it 
past in y^ negative & therefore ordered that the Petition be l^is- 
missed. 

voted that Such Sums of money as are now granted and have 
been heartofore be all Leveyed or assessed in one Tax agreeable 
to y*^ Ruls of y^ Law and then y'^ meeting was Desolved. 

Attest : John Chandler, modr. 



at a General Town meedng held at Worcester o6tob'' <S : i 744 
John Chandler Esqr. was Chosen mdr. 

Jonas Rice, T Cler. 

voted that the County Tax for y*" present year be paid out of the 
Town Tresury and that y"" Sum of five pound Six Shillings be as- 
sessed on y'' poles and Estats and added to the money heartofore 
Granted to Reimburss y'^ Town Tresurey again. 

voted that messuers Thomas wheeler, John Chandler Jur. eS: John 
Chaddick be a Committe to fence in the Burying place with a good 
and Substantual Stone wall of four futt high to be Eighteen parch 
on y*^ northeastrly Side Twelve parch on y*" Southeastrly Side 
Twenty parch on y"" Southwestrly Side c\: five parch on y'' north - 
westrly Side in which there must be a Gate and that y*" Sum of Fif- 
teen pounds be lI' is hearby Granted to be applyed for that pur- 
pose To be Leveyd and assessed with y" other money Granted 
this present year agreeable to law and that they return their ac- 
counts to y*" Selectmen from time to time and in Case y"' money 
now Granted be more needfuU the Same to Lye for y*' further or- 
der of y" Town and if it be not Sufficient that money be further 
Granted for the Same and the Comitte are desired to use their best 
discretion and P^ffecSt y'^ Same with all y'' r)isi)atch they Can. 



52 Early Records. [i745- 

voted that Twenty Shillings be payd out of y'' Town Tresury for 
the use of y" Rope used about Raising y*^ Steeple to y" Comitte 
for that purpose. Attest: John Chandler, modr. 



at a Town meeting held at Worcester upon Due warning given 
December 3*^ : i 744. Coll Chandler Chosen mdr. 

Attest: Jonas Rice, T Cler. 

voted that Coll Chandler Esqr. Decon moore, Decon Heywood, 
Cp'. Flagg, mr. Palmer Golding, mr. Samuel mower, Jonas Rice 
Esqr. mr. Thomas Rice & mr. John Curtice or the major part of 
them be a Comitte In y'' most prudent & Easey way that they Can 
to procure Some Sutable persons to Supply y*" Pulpitt* by preach- 
ing on Lords days untill the annual meeting in march next onless 
the Town Shall otherwise order and y'' Comitte are Desired as fur 
as may be to Interceed with y" Rev'' Elders of y'' Late Councel To 
preach Each one day. Attest: John Chandler, modr. 



at a meeting held at Worcester being Regulerly assembled at y" 
meeting house Jan^'y 7 : 1744-5. 

John Chandler, Esqr. was Chosen modrator. 

Attest: Jonas Rice, T Cler, 

voted that the Comitte alredy appointed for Supplying the pulpitt 
togther with Cp'. moore, Ephriam Curtis, James Boyd, Eliakem 
Rice, Cp'. ward & m''. waldo or y'^ major part of y^ whole be a 
Comitte at the Charge of y*^ Town to procure Suitaljle persons 

*Mr. Burr's pastorate came to an end by the advice of a mutual council 
convened at Worcester. Noveml^er 30, 1744, and he was dismissed in March 
following. The pleasant relations between him and his people had been 
disturbed by the visit of Whitefield, whose sensational preaching and novel 
methods created so much strife in many churches throughout the country; 
and the trouble was further increased Ijv the oflicious intermeddling of min- 
isters of other towns, followers of the revivalist, especially the Rev. David 
Hall of Sutton and Rev. Mr. Bliss of Concord. Under these difficulties the 
health of Mr. Burr became seriously impaired and he asked and was grant- 
ed a dismissal as above. He retired to Windsor. Conn, where he died in 
1 75 1 or 2. The account of him in Lincoln's History of Worcester is incor- 
redl in several particulars. See "'The Worcester Pulpit" by Smalley, p. 48. 



1745'] Town of Worcester. 53 

a.s Soon as may be to preach in a probationary way till y^ Town 
Shall further order and they are disired to procure m^ Stevens, m''. 
Langdon (."v: \w\ Townscnd if to be hail & if not then Such other 
Suitable person as they Shall think proper & that they make Suit- 
able provision for y*" Reception of Such who Come among us and 
in y" meen time the pulpitt be Suplied as helherto. 

the above votes past Attest: John Chandler, modr. 



Worcester y"^ 4 day of march 1744-5. 

I y" Subscriber being an Inhabitent of y*" Town of Worcester in 
the Province of y*^ massachusets Bay in New F>ngland Protest 
against the proceedings of y'' Town meeting now held in y'' meet- 
inghouse in Sd Town and also against all proceedings (as to Town 
officers) 'of any person or persons that is or Shall be Chosen to any 
office by the voters of this meeting (either now or at any other 
time) for that the Valuation and Rates made in Said Town for y*" year 
I 744 and y*^' List of voters alowed to vote in this meeting are not 
made agreealde to y*" Laws of y*^ Province in those Cases made tl- 
])rovided by which List y'' makers thereof have not only Excluded 
me Tho Qualified according to Law but have also wholy Exclud- 
ed Zechriah Herve'y, Benoni Bailey, Joshua Child Jur. Danil Dun- 
kin, John (rates, Timothy Green, John Kathan, Eliakem Rice. 
Samuel Relstone, Jonas ward, James wooderd, Luke Brown, Jacob 
Chambrlin, Richard Flagg, Elisha Flagg, Joseph willey, Isreal 
Holton, Sam" Rice, Elisha Smith Jur. Nath" Spring, James Trow- 
bridg and David young and Several others Inhabitents of Sd Town 
that are Qualified according to Law. 

Joseph Dyar. 

at a General Town meeting held at Worcester march 4 : i 744-5 

at Sd meeting John Chandler was Chosen modr. 

Attest: Jonas Rice, T Cler. 

At Sd meeting y^ following persons ware Chosen Town officers 
for y" year Ensuing, vizt : 

John Chandler Esqr. Cp'. Heywood, Cp'. Flagg, mr. Thomas 
wheeler, mr. John Chaddick, Sele6lmen & assessors. 

Jonas Rice Esqr. T Clerk. 



54 Early Records. [i745- 

John Chandler, Esqr. T Tresur. 

Joseph Clerk, Danil Hubberd, Constables. 

John Cirtise, Timothy Green, Danil Biglo, Samuel mower, oth- 
nial Tailor, andrew m'farlind, Jonas Rice Jur. Charles Davenport 
John Chandler Jnr. Robert Barber, Danil Hubberd, Surveyors of 
highways. 

John Chaddick, Sealor of Lether. 

David Bancraft, Edward Knight, andrew m'^farlind, william ma- 
han, fence viewers. 

Danil Holdin, Samuel andrew, Tythingmen. 

Isaac moore, James Goodin, Deer Reives. 

John Cirtise, Cler of y^ markitt. 

Luke Brown, Edward Knight, Jonas ward, Enock Cook, mathias 

Rice, Noah Jones, Jacob Chambrlin, hog Reeves. 

« 

The Several persons Chosen as above have Respe6livly taken 
their oaths to the faithfull Discharg of their office. 

voted that y'' Sele6lmen provid a Suitable Schoolemaster for the 
year Ensuing — and that Jonas Rice Esq^ Cp'. Heywod, Cp'. 
Flagg, mr. Samuel mower & mr. Ephriam Cirtise be a Comitte to 
project Some method for Keeping of Schools for y** year Ensuing 
that y* Town may Reep Greater advantig then heartofore they 
have don and Report their opinion at the adjournment of this 
meeting for further Consideration. 

voted that Jonas Rice Esqr. mr. James How & mr. James Boyd 
be a Comitte to Settle accuts with y*^ Revd mr. Isaac Burr our 
Late pastor and also with y"" Town Tresurer and Report thereon 
as Soon as may be. 

The Seleftmen having Reported y*" Conveincy & necessity of 
Several privite Roads or ways & Discontinueing one between land 
of Thomas Rice & John Stowel y*^ Town accept of the whole Re- 
port & order y'' Same to be recorded. 

voted that y'' premium or Reward for Killing of woulves & Rat- 
tlesnaks be y*^ Same as y'' Last year to be payd out of y" Town 
Tresurey. 

voted that y" Petition of Danil Eoyden & others be Continued 
to y'' adjournment of this meeting & that Noah Jones, Ensign 



1 745-] Town of Worcester. 55 

Rice iv: James Goodin be a Comitte to Consider and Report ther- 
on or what they may apprehend would be of Service to make more 
Room in y*" meeting house. 

Voted that Cp*. Heywood, John Chandler >S: 1/^ Hcrvey l)e a 
Comitte fully Impowered or y'' major part of them with power oi 
Substitution to prosecute any person or persons who ha\-e or Shall 
hearafter Comitt any Trespass on y*" Schoole land and also on y' 
ministeral land Sence y'' Dismition of the Revd mr. Isaac Burr 
from his pastrol office in this Town and also for y" future and the 
Selectmen are disered to Renew y'" bounds of both as Soon as may 
be. 

Voted that y'' article Relating to John Strr* be Continued to y'' 
adjournment of this meeting that in y" meen time y*" Sele6lmen or 
y'' major part of them view y'' publick lands ci: Report to y*" Town 
what they may think proper for y'' Town to do therein. 

The Result of the Late Venerable Councel for Dismissing y*' 
Revd mr. Isaac Burr from his pastoral Rekition to y' Church of 
Christ in this place agreeable to y'^ ninth article in y'' warrant was 
Read & the Town manifested their acquisence therein by a unan- 
imous vote excepting one or two persons. 

Voted that the Selectmen with Cj)'. moore, Ephriam • Cirtice, 
James Goodwin, Samuel mower iv othniel Tailor or y'' major i)arl 
of them be a Comitte for Supplying the pulpit with Some Suitable 
Gentleman or Gentlemen in a i)robationary wa}- and that they ust- 
their utmost Endevour that y'^' Town be at no time Destute of 
preching on Lords Days their power to Continue till y*" Town 
Shall further order. 

agreeable to y'' Eleventh article in y" warrent the Comitte for y' 
Steeple and hanging the Bell Reported & Thereupon y*" Town vo- 
ted an acceptance of y*-' Steeple <.\: hanging y" Bell and Danil wil- 
lard be Excused any further Service he abating y*" Town Seven 
pound Ten Shillings old Tener being all that would be his Due on 



*''To See if ye Town will permitt John Star who is now blind or his 
friends & not ye proper Charge of ye Town to Ere6t a house on ye puhlick 
land & Improve part thereof yet Still So as not to Impose him or his familey 
on ye Town at any time and in Such way as they Shall See Cause." — War- 
rant. 



56 Early Records. [i745- 

y*" Compleating y*" Same and Danil ward, Danil Hubard, James 
Boyd, James Goodwin & Noah Jones a Comitte now appointed to 
perfi6l y'' finishing y" Steeple & hanging y*^ Bell after the best way 
they Can at y" Charge of y*^ Town. The foregoing votes pased 
at Said meeting. Attest: John Chandler, mod^ 

Then y*^ meeting was by a vote adjourned to y" Third monday 
of april next at Two a Clock afternoon. 

Attest: John Chandler, modr. 

Worcester Febry 12"': 1744-5. Then Layd out for Zechriah 
Hervey a priviat way as followes to begin at the Southeastrly Cor- 
ner of andrew m^farlinds Land on y*" northerly Side of y^ Road & 
by Said m'^farlinds to Extend northerly till it meets with Said Her- 
veys Land it being about Six or Eight perch & to be two perch 
wide. This way Comes out of School or ministeral land we ap- 
pherend it of necesity. 

we the Subscribers have also laid out Privet way for Eliakem 
Rice who is Shut up & is as follows vizt : To be two parch wide 
through Land now belonging to Jonathan Grout which he pur- 
chised of Lieut James Holdin & to Lead from y"" County Road 
leading by Sd Grouts house to his mill the north Side of y* Road 
to be as y* Stone wall now Stands which we also apphrend to be 
of necesity. 

we also Report a privet Road of absolut necesity to be Con- 
fiermed by y*" Town leading from the privet Road which goes by 
nathanil moore Juners to Ephraim Cirtises land the way now Re- 
ported Leads from y" aforesd Road to the land of Thomas Rich- 
ardson et is to be two perch wide according to y" agreement of y^ 
partys Concerned two perch northerly from Cirtises Land & then 
to Extend Southwcstrly and Comes a pint whear Lieu'. Rices 
Line Intersexts Sd Cirtices origenal Line being y'' antient line of 
y" Town y'' Road to be two perch wide on y** Southrly Side. 

We have also laid out a necesary way to bring Jonathen Linds 
into y*" Road Leading from Isaac moors Eastrly & goes angling 
through land of Said moore & land of m^ Samuel mower Equaly 
^V begins at a Cartain Stake in Said Road and Runs to a Stak in 



1 745-] Town of Worcester. 57 

Said mowers land and is to l;e one parch & a half wide on y' 
Eastrly Side of Said Stake to which Said Samuel mower & Isaac 
inoore Consented. 

We doe also Report that a way Leading from Thomas Rices 
house between Said Rices land & land of John Stowil into y*' County 
Road Leading by major Rices be Discontinued and tlial in Lieu 
thereof a Towii way of Two parch wide from Thomas Rices house 
by his land Northward about Twenty Light parch k from thence 
about Two parch Northwestward to a Chustnult Tree & Stones near 
y'' Same it then a Strait Line South of John Stowels house & Barn 
to a Stake it Stones Two parch I'^ast of his west bounds and then 
Keeping that Distence from his Sd Stowils west bounds to y'' 
County Road leading from y" meeting house to major Rices be 
Confiermed on y*^^ west and Southrly Side of Said Lines the Said 
way being \'ery necessary and Conveinant. 

John Chandler \ 
Benj" Flagg j Selcclmcn 

Danil Heywood \- of ' 
Thomas wheeler | ivorccsier 
John Chaddick J 

at a General Town meeting held at Worcester march 4 : i 744-5 
being y'' first monday of Said month this Report of the aforegoing 
Roads and one Reported to be Discontinued were laid before y'" 
Town for acceptance & y" Town accepted y'' whole Report and 
Confiermed y'' Same accordingly and ordered y'' Same to be Re- 
corded. Attest: John Chandler, modr. 



. att a Town meeting held at Worcester April 15'^ : 1745 by ad- 
jornment from the 4"^ day of march last past The Sele6lmen 
made Report in y*" article Relating to John Star and then y" Town 
Came into y'- following vote namly 

Voted that John Star be allowed or permitted to build a house 
on y"" publick land on the Kastdy Side ])rospeck Brook and the 
northrly Side y'' Road as near the Brook as may be and that he 
be allowed a Suitable gardin Spot allways provided that what is 
now don dont opperate against y'' Town So as to Invalidate the 



58 Early Records. [i745- 

warning him out of Town & his being Caried away and that he be 
a Tenant at will and his going away or being Caryed away he to 
have the Liberty of Removing his house & in Case he dyes there 
his heirs to have the Same Liberty and the Seleftmen are desired 
to order where he Shall Cut fire wood on Said land from time to 
time. 

Voted that the Report about Schooling be accepted. 

See y" Report & Vote. 

Voted this meeting be adjourned to y*" 20"' of may next at four 
a Clock afternoon to Consider y'' Petition of Danil Boyden & others. 

Attest: John Chandler, modr. 



At a Town meeting held at Worcester april 15:1 745 at three of 
y'' Clock afternoon Regulerly assembled. 

att Said meeting John Chandler Esqr. was Chosen modr. 

Attest: Jonas Rice, T. Cler. 

Jonas Rice Esqr. from y*" Comitte appointed to Setle accuts with 
y*" Town Tresurer and also with y'' R mr. Isaac Burr our late Pas- 
tor made Report that they the accounts of John Chandler Esq^ 
Town Tresur are fairiy <S: Jusdy Charged by which it appears that 
he has payd the Revd mr. Burr one hundred & fifty nine pounds 
old Tener Equal to Thirty nine pounds fifteen Shillings last Imition 
Bills of Creditt in part. I'hat he is in Advance having payd more 
than he has Received and which is due to him in last Imssion 
Bills of Creditt fourty nine pounds fourteen Shillings and Ten pence 
farthing and diat there is out Standing in the Constables hands 
Seventy one pounds Thirteen Shillings three farthings Still to ac- 
count in Said last Liission bills of Creditt which Report was ac- 
cepted & ordered to be Recorded. 

Voted the Several Sums following be Raised & assessed as usual 
the i)resent year. 

Voted that y" Sum of Twenty Seven pounds Ten Shillings be 
Raised the present year for Suporting of Schools in last Imition 
bills of Creditt. 



I745-] 



Town of Worcester. 59 



7 


I I 


-2 


H 


4 




14 







4 








voted that the pole Tax of Thomas wheeler Son of 

Abraham wheeler be abated being o 14 4 

that nathanil moore be alowed for arthur l'"urbusss 

pole Tax 0144 

that the Sum of Six pound be granted to Cpt. Iley- 

wood, Cpt. Flagg & William mcfarlind 600 

Eleven Shillings & Three ]ience half jieny for 

Suporting and Conveying a pore man out of Town 
also for Samuel Thomas Pole Tax John [ ? ] pole 

Tax and half John mcgragries pole Tax 
To nathanil moore Jur. for Edward Lamonds pole Tax 
To Thomas Stearns for plank 
To John Chandler Jur. for plank 
To Docter Hervey for Ditto o i 3 

To Danil willard for Clabording ye west end of ye 

meeting house 326 

To Cpt. Danil ward for taking Care of the meeting 

house o 15 o 
To Thomas adams for John Dikes pole Tax oil 11 
For paying mr Browns preeching & mr marshes 12 o O 
That ye Sum of Twenty pound be granted for 

Suplying ye pulpitt for ye future & Suporting 75 S 11 1-2 

preaching amongst us till further order and 

that the Same be Leveyed and assessed on 

ye poles and Estates of ye Town agreeable 
■ to Law by ye assessors 

Voted that y"" Third article* in y*' warrant be not granted. 

Voted that y"^ article Relating to y*^ making mr. Jonathen (Jrout 
an allowence for a privite way to Eliakem Rices be adjourned 
with this meeting tor further Consideration. 

agreeable to y'' fifth article f Voted that y^ Town desire to hear 
Some other person before the Church proceed to y'' Choice of a 
person to Setle amongst us and that y"" Comitte for Suplying v'' 
pulpit procure mr. Townsend if to l)e had and if not that they 
Consult with y'' Revd president, mr. apleton & y'' Profesor mr. wig- 

* "To hear & Consider of ye Pitition of Eliakem Rice & others for Liberty 
to Eredt a pew in ye hind Seet in ye front gallary and to grant ye Same if 
ye Town See Cause." — IVan'an/. 

t"For the Town to declare their minds by a vote whither they desire to 
hear any more or other Gentlm in a probationary way before the Church ])ro- 
ceed to ye Choice of a person to Setle amongst us as our Pastor." — IVarraiti. 



6o Early Records. [i745- 

gleworth who to procure to preach amongst us in a probationary 
way till y'' Town Shall give further order. 

Lieut. Holdin desiring alowence for Some Seeder Posts he had 
formerly provided for fencing y'' Burying place ordered that y*^ Se- 
le6lmen Setle that affair with him according to Their best Judg- 
ment. 

Voted that this meeting be adjourned to y*" Twentyeth day of 
may next at three of y*" Clock afternoon for y'' Town to Consider 
what may be proper to be don as to further Grants of money & y* 
affair of making Jonathan Grout an allowence. 

Attest: John Chandler, modrator. 

The Subscribers being Chosen and appointed a Comitte by the 
Town of Worcester at their meeting on y*" 4'!^ day of march last to 
project Some method for keeping of Schools for y'^ year Ensuing 
That y'^ Town may Receive grater advantig then heartofore they 
have don & Report our opinion. 

having mett and Considered the affair do Report as follows vizt 
first that the usual Som of one hundred and Ten pounds old Tener 
be Granted by Said Town for the Suport of Schools in y*" Same 
and the Inhabitents accordingly assessed the Said Sum of one hun- 
dred and Ten pounds old Tener for one year to Come. 

Secondly that a number of y*" Inhabitents living Remote from 
the Schoole house in Said Town to have the Beniiitt of Such Sum 
or Sums that they Shall be assessed at or Taxt towards Said hun- 
dred & Ten pounds to Suport Suitable Schools to Instru6l & 
Teach their Children in y'' best manner that may be. 

In the north Eastrly part of the Town the following familyes to 
have the Benifitt of Their own monev as abovesaid vizt : 



Danil Knight Isaac vvithrby Kenja. Crosby 

Timothy Knight Joseph Temple Isreal Jnison 

John Knight williani Harise John Cirtise 

Samuel Eaton John Child Ebenezer willington 

Ezekel How Nathanil Adams James How 

Ebenezer Flagg othnial Tailor Edward Knight 

Joseph Geary widow Crosby Elisha Smith Jur. 



1745- ] Town of Worcester. 6i 

also the Families living on y*" westrly Side of y'' River Caled 
halfway River and the widow wallise, Joseph willey, Nathanil 
Spring (S: william ni'farlind to ha\e the i)riveledg of their money as 
above Said. 

all y*" Families F^xcepting John Tatman. Jabez Tatman \' miehel 
hamblton living on y'" South iS: Southwesterly Side of bogachoag 
River as also all y*" Families living on y' westrly Side of Said River 
and Southrly of y'' Countrey Road to have the priviledg as abovesd 
as also y'" Families living Remote on y'' SouthEastrly part of Said 
Town vizt Joshua Biglo, Jacob Smith, John Roberts, John IJarber. 
Jonas wooderd & John Smith. 

Thirdly the Remainder of y'' Inhabitents of Said Town living 
within the aforesd families to make up by a Subscription or Some 
other method a Suiifiant Sum Including their part of Said Tax to 
maintain & ceep a grammer School at y'' Schoole house in Said 
Town So that y'' Town may not l)e at anj- time presented for want 
of y* Same. 

Fourthly the afore named famileis freed from paying to the Town 
School as aforesd Shall I's: may at any time Send any of their Chil- 
dren to be Schooled at y'' School house without paying any thing 
therefor. 

fifthly that Some Suitable persons be appointed by the Town to 
take Flffeiflual Care that y"" money So to be assessed be layd out in 
Such way tS; maner as is therein proposed, 
all which is Submited 

Worcester april 15 : 1745. 

by Jonas Rice 

Danil Heywood 
Benj'^ Flagg 
Ephrim Cirtise 

at a Town meeting held at Worcester april 15 : 1745 by adjourn- 
ment voted that the above Report be accepted and that m^ Thom- 
as wheeler, m^ othinal Tailor, m' . James How, m^ william Harise, 
m'. Danil i>oyden, m^ Joseph C'lerk & m^ Joshua IMglo be a Com- 
itte for Stating y'' perticular jjlaces where the Schools Shall l)e Kejn 
within Refrred to and that the Town Tresurer pay Each part their 



62 Early Records. [i745- 

money out of y" Sum granted for the School to Such persons as 
the Comitte or the major part of them Shall order. 

Attest: John Chandler, modr. 



at a Town mee[t]ing held at Worcester may 20 : 1745 by ad- 
journment from the 15 day of april last. 

The fourth article in the warrant for Calling that meeting was 
Read and after Some dabate thereon the Question was put whether 
the Town will make any allowence to mr. Jonathan Grout for a 
privet way lately layd a Cross his land to accomodate Eliakem Rice 
& it past in the negative. 

voted that the Sum of Twenty pounds in Last Emission bills be 
Granted for the Suport of preaching to be Leveyed according to 
law with other Grants made or to be made this present year as 
usuall 20 

voted that Co" Chandler be allowed Twenty Shillings old Tener 
lor So much by him to be allowed to mr. waldo for pastering mr. 
Burrs horse 1742 050 

voted that Twenty nine Shillings be Granted for mending the 
Glass in the meeting house and School house i 7 7.I 



21 12 71 
John Chandler, modr. 



at a Town meeting held at Worcester upon due warning given 
and Regulerly assembled at y** meeting house on monday the 20"* 
day of [May] at four of y*" Clock in y" afternoon a D 1745 John 
Chandler Esqr. was Chosen mdr. 

Attest: Jonas Rice, T Cler. 

In answer to the Petition of John Johnson and Eight others 
praying they may have the hind Seat in y'' womens Side Gallary 
Granted them to Sit in Voted that the Petition be So far Granted 
as that they have Liberty to Raise y® Same and Sit therein with 
their wives vizt Such as have wi\-es and in Case y'" Same is not filld 
that y'^ Sele6tmen admitt Some other Suitable persons So as to have 
y*^ Same filled and to beare their proportionable part of y'^ Charge. 



1 745-] Town of Worcester. 63 

a Petition of John Chandler Jur. praying the Town would grant 
him y'' Room or flower whear the mens Stairs now are in y" meet- 
ing house to Eretl a pew for himself i.'v; family. 

Voted that y'' Prayer of y*" Petition ,Ue granted and that y" Peti- 
tioner have Liberty to take down y"" mens Stairs & l^rre6l a pew in 
y'^ Same place to be Enjoyd by him his heirs and assignes. 

Provided he first Errecl Two Suitable pair of Stairs in y"' Steeple 
from y*" Lower floare into y'' first platform or loft and well Defenri 
the Same with proper Rails & banistors above <S: below (S: with 
what is Equivalent thereto and make <S: Case a Convinint way out 
of Said first Platform or loft into y- Side Callarey The whole work 
to be Effettualy don & to y'^' Reasonable acceptence of y'" Comitte 
for y'' Steeple or the major part of them. 

Voted that y'' ])resent Comitte for Supplying y'" pulpit Together 
with Cap', ward cS: m"". Joshua Biglo be a Comitte to procure Two 
more Suitable Gentlemen to preach amongst us in a probationary' 
way Taking y" advice of y^ Revd President, D61. wiglsworth cs: m'. 
applton and that when the Town have heard them that then y' 
Church proceed to the Choice of a Pastor to Settle amongst us to 
be Chosen out of the Three Gentlem who have alredy preached 
with us vizt. mr. Stevens, mr. marsh A mr. Phillips and y'' Two 
Crentlm who may be procured as abovesd and that y'' Town will 
hear no more persons before a Choice is made. 

The foregoing votes past at Sd meeting. 

Attest: John Chandler, modr. 



att a meeting of the Inhal)itents of the Town of Worcester Reg- 
ulerly assembled at the meeting house Septr. 9 : i 745 John Chand- 
ler Esqr. was Chosen modr. atfs Jonas Rice, T Cler. 

The warrent being Read & the Question putt it appeared that 
there ware thirty two votes for Concurring with the Church in y*" 
Choice of mr. Nathanil Gardner to the work of the Gosj)el minis- 
try amongst and Twenty five against him. 

Voted that Decon moore, mr. Thomas Rice, mr. Jonathan Gates, 
mr. James How & mr. Danil P>oyden be a Comitte to Treat with 
Said in''. Gardner upon Terms of Settling amongst us. 



64 Early Records. [1745. 

Voted that Sixty pounds in Last Emission Bills of Creditt or 
other Bills of Creditt Equell therto be granted as a yearly Sallary 
to mr. Gardner to Cornence from y*" time of his ordaination and 
to Continue So Long as he Shall Remain a Settled minister amongst 
us. 

Voted that one hundred pounds in Last Emission Bills of Cred- 
itt or other Bills of Creditt Equal thereto be granted to mr. Gard- 
ner one half to be payd in one year from his ordaination the other 
half in two year to Enable him to Settle amongst us. 

Voted that m''. Gardner have Six weeks allowed to give his an- 
swer and in Case he dont Supply y'' pulpitt personaly in the meen 
time that then the Comitte aforesaid with the advice of y^ Rev** 
mr. President Holyoake, m''. Appleton & Br. wiglesworth Supply 
it with Such person or persons as they Shall advise too. 

Voted that the Comitte at the Charge of y"^ Town make Suitable 
provision for y*" Entertainment of m''. Gardner or Such other per- 
son or persons as may preach amongst us agreeable to the vote 
aforesd. 

Voted that m''. James Goodin have Liberty to build a pew for 
himself & family to Sit in the Steeple in answer to his Petition to 
be under y*" dere6tion of y'' Comitte for building y^ Steeple provi- 
ded he at his own Cost & Charge Ceil y*" Second Loft or Story 
handsomly and Case y'^ window. 

The above votes past at Sd meeting. 

atts John Chandler, modr. 



at a meeting of the Freeholders and Inhabitents of y" Town of 
Worcester Qualified to vote in Town afi'airs Regularly assembled 
at the meeting house Septr 24 : 1745 at Two a Clock afternoon. 

John Chandler Esq. was Chosen modrator. 

atts Jonas Rice, T Cler. 

Voted that the County lax for y'' Current year be payd out of 
the Town Tresurey being five pound Six Shillings in Last Emission 
Bills of Creditt & that Sd Sum be now granted to Reimburse y* 
Tresurey again. 



1 745-] TowJt of Worcester. 65 

Voted that Ensign Rice iv m^ Joseph Clerk be desired at the 
Charge of y" Town to build a Suitable place in the third Storey of 
y'^ Bellfree or Steeple (S: in y'' northwest Corner Thereof to Keep 
y* Town Stock of powder in and that there be a good Lock put on 
y" Same that they make a good Sable Doore in the Floore of 
Said Storey and put a good Lock Thereon. 

Voted that Two pound Twelve Shillings & Two pence be payd 
out of y'^ Town Tresurey to Paul Kingston for his Service in taking 
Care of Richard wheelor in his late Illness & his Expense and that 
the Selectmen take Care to git y*" Same again of Said wheelor as 
Soon as may be out of his wages or otherwise. 

Voted that fifty pounds last Emission Bills of Creditt be now 
granted to be Raised agreeable to Law for paying it discharging 
the Charges arising in y*" Town. 

Voted that y* Selectmen procure Some proper person to Ring 
the Bell at y* Charge of y*" Town Twice before Service on y" Lords 
days & both in y*" forenoon & afternoon that there be one houre 
between y*' Ringings in y*^ forenoon A: half an houre in y'' afternoon 
and y"" Bell be Rung at no other time Except at funerals & Lect- 
ures & Town meetings Fast Days and Thanksgivings untill y" Town 
Shall further order. 

voted that whoever Shall for the future during y" Space of Three 
years from y" fifteenth day of november next in y" tims of y'" Sit- 
ting of y'' Superiour Court of Judicature, Court of assize & Gineral 
Goal delivery the times of y* Siting of the Infeirour Court of Com- 
on Pleas & General Sessions of y*" peace in this Town presume to 
Run Races on horse back or pace their horses for Tryall in y'' 
Countrey Road from y*^ house of mr. Joshua Eaton to y*" house 
vvhear Richard wheelor Lives Shall forfitt the vSum of Twenty Shill- 
ings LawfuU money to y" use of y" poare of this Town to be Re- 
covred agreeal)le to y'' Dire6tions of y'' Laws of this Province Re- 
lating to Rules orders & By Laws of Towns and y'^ Sele6tmen are 
Desired to lay this vote or f}ylaw before the Court of General 
Sessions of y"-' peace for their approbation in november next. 

voted that all y*^ money granted by the present meeting be as- 
sessed in one Tax agreeable to y'^ Ruls of y'' Law. 

all y'^ aforegoing votes past at Said meeting. 

attr John Chandler, modr. 

BOOK II. 9 



66 Eaj'ly Records, [1746. 

at a Town meeting held at Worcester upon due warning given 
^ assembled at y'' meetinghouse (xlitober 18 : 1745. 
John (!h;indler Mscir. was Chosen modrator. 

Al/rst : Jonas Rice, T Cler. 

voted that in answer to y" Re(|uest of Deacon nathanil moore 
and nine others nu". Nathanil (iardner have one month more al- 
lowed him to give his answer to y'' Town in Respe(!-t to y'' ("all 
they have given him. Aiies John Chandler, niodr. 



at a Town meeting held at Worcester iKn-ember 25 : 1745 John 
Chandler Ms(|r was Chosen modr. Atlcst: Jonas Rice, T Cler. 

m''. Nalli;niil (inidiicrs answer to the Church & Town Contain- 
ing his non acccijlen( e ol y" Call to Sctle amongst us in y'' work 
of the ministry was Read and then y'' 'J'own Come into y*' follow- 
ing vote vi/t 

Voted that Captian (iolding, \W . Jcjhn Cartis, m^ James Coodin, 
J'aisign Rice, John Chandler Jum-. C])'. ward (S,: Lieut. Thomas 
.Stearns Ije a C'omitte in y'' name iS: behalf of y'' Town to procure 
m''. Langdon, y*-' Rev'' m''. walley, ni'. lirown, mr. 'i'ai)i)in & mr. 
j'anerson to preach witli us Ivich four Sabaths and that they doc 
at y" C(;sl t)f y'' Town make proper provision for their Entertain- 
ment. Atlcst: John Chandler, modr. 



at a Town meeting luld al Worcester march 3'' 1745-6 Reguler- 
ly assembK'd al Sd meeting John Chandler l''.s(|r. was ( hosen modr. 

atist Jonas Rice, T Cler. 

The following persons ware Duly l';iected for y"' Ensuing year 
vizt 

John Chandler i'".s(|r. C Danil Ileyvvood, C Eenj" Flagg, L Cer- 
shom Rice, C Danil ward, Selectmen A assessors. 

Jonas Rice, ICs(|r. T (!lerk. 

John Chandler iCscjr. 'I' 'i'resur. 

James Coodwin, James I5(jyd, Constables. 

John Cirlise, Danil lloldin, I' ] liriam Cirlise, James moore. 



I/I'- I 



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■ ,\\\\ . |)|ii|)'-| \n llir i.IIm (• , |i, will' 1 1 llli-y w.'UC I'.li 'l' 1 1-< I 

V()lf(l lli;il y" S'-Jri' liiicii piovi'lc ;i .Siiiliijilc !-i« ImioIchm -.ici lor y" 
V'Ml V.wwwwy, ill llif ^'li;ii>'.i' ol y" 'I'luvii, 

Vulrd lli.il y'^ l'*i-|lll II III v' |-'<M<II' .I'llll)-', (M'Iii ! .iil'ilii'ih | . .1 1 1 1 .( i(|i-. 
I(» |,(:i(C!il(:(' liy llir li(<l|-,r (»l IMmiji | mouci |iii. i'. \ .am iin.i.ic lie 
.'ii r(-|)t(<(| ik Kc(or(|i-r| |i('iii|.; lliiir \„\, I, wii|i , 

Vi)l'-i|lli.il iiii|(ii \\\ir WW, ),imi'. IImwi'./ nil I,iiiii- . lioyij he ;i 
' 'iiiiillc |() S •III'' ;(< Miirt Willi y'' Touii I m- .iii'm <'•: r''|iiiil IJM'ir 
Ml ;il (lie li'-Hl iiK-rliliK. ■ 

V'll'-'l lli.ii y" III* 'III! l(-'jii"'iil I'd l.illin;-', ol w'ivl''i-. lie ^'onliniinl 
iliM yc;ii ;i. i il w;i,'i y" Iii.'jI. yc;ii , 

Volcd lli;il lli'-rn |»c |Kiy(l loi l',:i( li I'llllc; liiil. Iliiil Mi, ill I" I ill 
I ill y' 'I'livvM III. Ili'^ir l)cin ('i^ i\Ui> ;tl. Sl(»ii(; lioiric lull Ho ( ntlcd 
in K'li'liii Si:<|»''iir'^ l;(il I'Jiiitv^.i'ni liilli ol ('(cdill ii|i')ii y"'r;iilc he 
1(1 ' |)io I'l' '-(I l'> y" 'r'>vVii III III'- lovii i(i'*cliii«i, 

V'»l'-'l 111 il 'I'yrii'J l<i(r, |;iiii('ii ( i(»o'lwiii ;iii<l No.ili )o(i'-rt l<r ;» 
' 'diiillc ;(l y" ( .'li:i.ri-',(' o( y" 'I'owii lo WiiiM li-ihi lor llic Witf. \n !S'-i 
111 vvli'^ur y" III ;in fiillii-y Sl.iii-, Wiii'- in f (i;ill'-iy in y" hk-.I |'io|i 

■ I iriiiitT lli'-y '^'.'iii l'-;iviii'.', ;i |)|(<;»'T |/;r-, i.'iiy/! lo lioc in I'v linl ol y' 
.■\\:\ ;i,llr''(ly l>iiili, I'j ili;i.l lli'-y liiiild |'i'>|<'-i Sic)i|j-, oi |(-d|.''--. loi 

, inorr Siir |»i •.iiti;-', in y" f );ill;iry ■,. 

V(>l''d ill \Ki'\>A\(\ [(> y" S'^vcnlli ;iiii' I' m y' w.iiiini!-', lli.ii iIk I-'c 
')i|(ril, ol hinid |{(»yd(-ii (or ;i. (»cw |il c ' in y" I'.l'-«-|ilc he \.'y,\\\\i->\ 
pr(»yidc'l ill'" roinill't loi hiiil'lin;/ y' Iil''-)-l" upon ;i ! IIik' I vk w ;ii' 
orrjpiiiioii il wonl. lnMii(»dc |»co)»l'"i |);c-,-,iii,L', in find oiil (<! y' ^i.il 
I'-ry ;iiid lli.d il Ic; Imill iv\ S'lid T'onlilMi .Sli/ill or<l('r. 



68 Early Records. [1746. 

Voted that Cp. Flagg, Do6lr Harvey & mr. Boyd be a Comitte 
to procure mr John Brown : the Son of y'^ Revd mr vvillims of 
Lebanon & y" Son of y^ Revd mr wiUimes of Springfield to preach 
amongst us Each four days and that they make proper provision 
for their Subsistence and in Case any of them Cant be obtained to 
preach y*^ next Sabath & fast days that then they procure Some 
other Genthii to preach three days. 

at Said meeting a Register of Deeds and County Tresurer ware 
voted for. 

Voted that this meeting be adjourned to Tuesday y* 15 : day of 
april next at two a Clock afternoon to meet at y^ meeting house 
and y* Report of y'^ Selectmen for laying out a Road at y^ Request 
of adonijah Rice & Joseph Clerk Jur. be then Considered off. 

all y*" above votes passed at Said meeting. 

aitr John Chandler, modr. 

Whearas Some years Since thear was a Road layd out Leading 
by Solomon Johnsons to Leicester line by y'' house of Isaac moore 
a Return thereof made but is Lost and not Recorded whearefore 
at the desire of y*^ Inhabitents Living that way & of othors needing 
y*^ Same we have aportoined Said Road as follows begining at y' 
Corner of Said Johnsons land on y*^ north Side the Road at the 
Corner of y" fence as it now Stands and thence Extending westrly 
or northwestrly as the Road is now used till it Comes a little 
Southward of y*^ house of Solomon Johnson Juner whear it takes in 
a few Rods of his fenced land to which he Consented and it is 
marked out and So a long the way or Road is used till it Comes to 
Leicester line passing by the houses of Samuel mower Junr & Isaac 
moore the Road is Three parch wide & is all y^ way markt on y* 
northrly Side on Trees with Three Chops on y^ Southerly Side 
thereof and as we apprehand is a very necessary Road and all 
persons Consenting we move it may be Confiermed ts: Recorded. 

John Chandler ^ r. , „ 
10 Y lown of Worcester Lanil Heywood [ r 

assembled at y'' annual John Chaddik ( -^ _, 

meeting in march 1745-6 Thomas wheler j 

at a Town meeting held in Worcester march 3'': 1745-6 being 



1746.] Town of Worcester. 69 

y'= annual meeting the Return of y'' above Road was accepted <lv 
ordered to be Recorded. attsr John Chandler, modr. 

Worcester tlie 3'' Day of march 1745-6. 
I the Subscriber being an Inhabitent of the Town of Worces- 
ter in the Province of the massatchusets Bay in New England Fro- 
test against y" Proceedings of y*" Town meeting now held in y' 
meeting house in Said Town and also against all })rocecdings as 
to Town affairs of any person or persons that is or Shall be Chosen 
to any office by the votes of this meeting Either now or at any 
other time for that the Valuation and Rates made in Said Town 
for y^ year 1 745 and y'^ List of Voters allowed to Vote in this 
meeting are not made agreeable to the Law of y** Province in 
these Cases made and provided by wich List the makers thereof 
have not only Excluded me tho' Qualified according to Law but 
have also wholy Excluded Zechriah Hervey, Danil Dunkin, John 
Gates, Timothy Green. Jonas wooderd, Luk Brown, Elisha Smith 
|ur. Nathanil Spring and Several others Inhabitents of Said Town 
that are Qualified according to Law. 

Joseph Dyar. 



Att a meeting of y'' freeholders & Inhabitents of Worcester Reg- 
ulerly assembled upon due warning given at the meeting house in 
Said Town y'^ 15 day of april anno Dom i 746 John Chandler Escy. 
was Chosen moderator. aftst Jonas Rice, T Clerk. 

The account of John Chandler Esq^ Town Tresur was layd be- 
fore the Town by y*" Comitte for P^xamining y^ Same by which it ap- 
pears that he has payd y" Sum of one hundred ninety four pound 
four Shillings and Sixpence three farthings that there is out Stand- 
ing in y" Late Constables hands Twenty five pound Ten Shillings 
& Seven pence and that there is a ballance in his favour of Six- 
teen pound fourteen Shillings & four pence last Emission bills of 
Creditt which account is accepted agreeable to the Report & or- 
dered to be kept on file. 

Voted that there be allowed & granted the following Sums to y* 
persons hereafter named vizt. 



o 


6 


II 


o 


'5 


9 


o 

I 


•5 

I 


9 
II 


2 


o 

5 


o 

9 


2 


o 


o 


O 


7 


lO 


O 


8 


o 



3 


o 


O 


7 


lO 


O 


5 


6 


O 


I 


12 


lO 



70 Eaj'ly Records. [1746. 

to John Chandler Esqr. 

to ye widdow Childs her husbands pole Tax 

To ye widdow Ralstone out of her Rates a Pole Tax 

To mr William Johnson in full of all demands 

To Cp ward for Sweeping ye meeting house & Ringing 
the Bell 

To William Johnson for a pair of Tonges & latches 

To James Brown Ringing ye Bell & hording mr Emerson 

To moses wheeler half his Pole Tax 

To arthor Furlpus Tax to ye Town 

To John Chandler Jur hording minister & for plank 496 

To mr waldo for hording mr Brown i o o 

To Cpt Flagg to pay mr marsh So much for horse hier 
as he acflualy payd 

For the Support of a School ye Current year 

For ye paying ye County Tax that may be granted 
this year 

To Reimbursing mr hubbard Esqr Lees Rates or Taxes 

That ye Sum of one hundred pounds be granted for 

the Supplying ye pulpitt & feuch other things as 100 o o 

are needed being one hundred fifty one pound 

& three pence last Emission bills 151 o 3 

Voted that y* above Sums be assessed on y* Polls tt Estates 
agreeable to Law & payd by y*' first of march next & that y' Town 
Tresurer pay y" School money k the one hundred pound be payd 
according to Such orders as he Shall Receive from y'' Sele6tmen 
or y^ major part of them. 

Upon hearing y'' verball Report of y*" Comitte for Supplying y'' 
pullpitt the following vote passed vizt that the Comitte Supply the 
[julpitt Two days after the next Sabath and in Case there be then 
no prospeft of hearing either of y'' m''. williamses that then the 
Town disire the Church to proceed to y'^ Choice of a Gentleman 
to be Settled amongst us in y'' work of y'' ministry and lay their 
Choice before the Town. 

Votfed that Ensign Rice and James Biglo at y^ Charge of y'' Town 
Efedtualy mend & Repair y'' Clal)ording y*" meeting house. 

Voted that the Selectmen and m'' Joshua Biglo be a Comitte to 
prepare a proper method or Scheem for the more Equitable & Ef- 
fe6lual working on y'' Roads & Bridges & Causways in the Town. 



1746.] 'Town of Worcester. 71 

Voted that Coll Chandler, Cpt. Flagg (S: major Rice be a Com- 
itte to jjrojecl and lay before the Town a draft for the Selling leas- 
ing or Improving all or part of the .ministeiral and School lands 
tt Report y'' Same as Soon as may be be for y'' Towns Considera- 
tion. 

The Comitte appointed to take Care of y'' jaiblick land Re- 
ported that they had detected Some jjersons of taking away tim- 
ber from of Said lands and had also disposed of Some Logs that 
ware down with an account of their Charge amounting to fifty 
Shillings whereupon the Town voted that upon william mahan 
paying Ten Shillings for y" use of y^ Town and micall Lovill pay- 
ing five Shillings for y" Same purpose and paying y*" Cost they 
Should be Discharged and that upon andrew m'Tarlind paying Two 
Shillings he be discharged from his note Robert Gray & Zebe- 
diah Rice ware discharged freely and that y*^ Town Tresurer Re- 
ceive what may be Coming to y*^ Town. 

The aforegoing votes past at Sd meeting. 

attr John Chandler, modr. 



at a meeting of y* freehold [ers] & Inhabitents of Worcester Quali- 
fied to vote in Town affairs held by adjournment from y'' Third 
day of march last to april 15 : 1746. 

Voted that y*" Return of y'' Selectmen for laying out a Town or 
privit way leading from land of mathew Gray Jur. to & by y*" house 
of Lieut. Stearns be accepted & Recorded it is two Rod wide. 

Voted that y'' Return of y" Selectmen for laying out a Town or 
privat way leading from y'^ Countrey Road which goes to Leicester 
and going pardy through Land of Cpt Tem})le and partly through 
Comon land leading to y*" houses of adonijah Rice and Joseph 
Clark Jur &(5l of Two perch wide be accepted & Recorded provided 
the Town are at no Cost in paying for y' land it takes from C])t. 
Temple. attr John Chandler, modr. 

To the Town of Worcester assembled in Town meeting march 

3: 1745-6- 

at y* desire of Adonijah Rice iS: Josejih Clerk Jur we have layd 



72 Early Records. [1746. 

out a Road leading from y'' Countrey Road which goes to Leices- 
ter it begins near a Gate westward of y" house James Boyd lives 
in from thence Extends Southward a Cross land of Cp*. Robert 
Temple about fourty pearch till it .Corns to Comon land & faom 
thence as y'' Trees are marked going all y'^ way through Comon 
land till it Coms near a Saw mill belonging to Elisha Hedge be- 
tween y'' houses of Said Rice & Clerk we have marked Trees on 
y^ Eastrly Side Said proposed way which we apprehend Should be 
Two pearch wide and thence a Road of the Same width and as it 
is now used and & going over a new Bridg near Said mill over 
French River till it meets with land of Joseph Clerk. This way we 
apprehend will be of Considerable Service and very necessery. 

John Chandler ") SeleHinen 
Danil Heywood )- of 
Benj" Flagg ) wo fees kr 

at the desire of mathew Gray Junor we have layd out a Town 
or privat way from his land whear he Dwells as y" Road is now 
rod or used till we Come to y*^ Lane by Jotham Stearnses it is Two 
pearcli wide and we have marked y" Same on the westerly and 
northerly Side and Sum y*" Esterly and [ ] of y^ aforesaid lane to 
Extend westward as Said lane is fenced by y" house whear Said 
Jotham Stearns dwells and y*^ house of Lieut. John Stearns till it 
Coms to y* Town Road leading from Cp'. Goldings to Decon 
moors. This we look upon to be very necessery. 
Worcester perficSted this 20"" of march 1745-6 

John Chandler ") Scleilmen 
Danil Heywood >- of 
Benj" Flagg ) Worcester 



att a Town meeting legaly warned & held at y'' meeting house 
in Worcester may 19 : a Do 1746 at four a Clock afternoon John 
Chandler Esq' Chosen modr. 

attst Jonas Rice. T Cler. 

the vote of y*^ Church of Christ in this Town Seting forth in 
wliat maner & how far they have proceeded being Read it was 



1 746. J Town of PVorcester. 73 

voted that it is the Towns desire at present that y'~ (.Hiurch pro- 
ceed as they have proposed. 

The Comitte Refering to y'' Pubhck lands made Report whiclr- 
was Read & then y" Town Came into y*" following vote namly 
Voted that y^ Selectmen ascertain y" Bounds of Said land antl la\ 
fair plans thereof before y*" Town with y'" value of each peice ac- 
cording to their Sound Judgment that So y'' Town may beter know 
how to proceed in Said affair ^S: they desired to be as Sjjeedy as 
may be. 

Dofter Hervey brought into y'' meeting Sixty three Rattlesnaks 
Tails i;^: william Young P^le\en Tails which wear burnt by y'' Con- 
stables, atfsf John Chandler, modr. 

at a meeting of voters in Worcester Qualified by Charther on 
may 19: 1746 mad Choice of Benj" Flagg Esq^ to Represent 
them in y*" Grate & General Court for y*" year Ensuing. 

attest: Jonas Rice, T Cler. 



at a meeting of y^ Inhabitents it freeholders Qualified to Vote 
&c held at y** meeting house In Worcester on nionday the 23 da\' 
of June 1746 upon Due warning Ciiven at Sd meeting John Chand- 
ler Esqr was Chosen modr. 

attr Jonas Rice, Town Cler. 

The Church of Christ hear having layd before the Town a Let- 
ter from y*" Revd m"" appleton of Cambridg, mr Williames of Wall- 
tham A mr Turill of medford who have therein Recommended mr 
Benjamen Stevens as a Suitable (jentleman to Setle among us & y' 
matter being fully Considered it was thereupon Voted that it is the 
desire of y* Town that m' Stevens Preach \vith us four days in a 
probationery way if he mav be obtained and that proper provision 
be made for his Entertainment. 

attsr John Chandler, modr. 



at a meeting of y*" Qualified Voters hild at y*" meeting house in 
Worcester on monday y"" first day of Septr 1746 upon due warning 
given John Chandler Esff was Chosen modr. 

attst Jonas Rice, T Cler. 



74 Early Records. [i747- 

voted that this meeting be adjourned to Tuesday the 23"^ In- 
stent at two a Clock afternoon to meet at this place to att on y*^ 
articles or affairs Set forth in the warrant. 

atts John Chandler, modr. 



at a Town meeting by adjournment y" 23'' day of Septr ann 
Dom I 746 from y*" first Instent voted Voted that the Sele(ftmen be 
desired to Supply y*" pulpitt for the present in y*^ best way they Can. 

attst John Chandler, modr. 



at a meeting of y'^ Qualified Voters Regulerly assembled on 
Tuesday Sep'' 23 : 1746 John Chandler Esq"" Chosen modr. 

attest : Jonas Rice, Town Cler. 
This meeting by means of y'' Govrners Sending for a Large num- 
ber of men to opose y*" Suposed french Invasion was Brooke up. 

attest: John Chandler, modr. 



at a meeting of the Qualified voters in Worcester oclober 20 : 
1 746 Regulerly assembled John Chandler Esqr was Chosen modr. 

attest Jonas Rice, T Cler. 

voted that messrs Elisha Smith, Danil Hubbard, Joshua Biglo, 
James Brown & Cp John Stearns be a Comitte to procure if they 
may be obtained m"" Walley & y'' Rev*^ mr m'^Carty both of Boston 
mr Larrence of Groten Son of William Larrence Esq'' ct mr may- 
hew Son of the Rev*^ mr mayhew of martins Vineyard to preach 
with us Each four Sabeths or So many of them as they Can obtain 
and they make Suitable provision for their handsome Intertainment 
at y'' Cost of y*^ Town & that they procure them iii the order above 
mentioned if they Can. attsr John Chandler, mod. 



at a General Town meeting held at Worcester Regulerly as- 
sembled on monday January 26 : 1746-7 

as Said meeting major Danil Heywood was Chosen modr. 

atts Jonas Rice, T Cler. 



1 747-] Toivn of Worcester. 75 

at Said meeting the (luestion was put whether this meeting 
Should be adjourned for Some time it past in y"" negitive & after 
Some Debate had thereon The tjuestion was i)ut whether tin- 
above vote Should be Reconsidered ^'v; it past in y'' affiermitive. 

Then the Question was put whether y'' Town would now pro- 
ceed to Show their Concurrence or noncurrence and it past in y' 
negitive. 

at Saitl meeting voted that y' honrbl John Chandler l^sc]'. m'. 
John Cirtice & m' James Goodwin be a Comitte to to Treat with 
y*" Rev'' mr m'^Carty tS: procure him to preach with us two Sabeths 
iv: to desire him to Let y'' Town See y*" advice of y"' Councel and 
votes of Y'' Church of which he has been Pastor with Relation to 
liis Dismition and Then y" meeting was adjourned to monday y"' 
nineth day of Febry next at one of y'" Clock afternoon at y'' meet- 
ing house in Sd Town. attcs Danil Heywood, modr. 



at a meeting of y" Qualified Voters in Worcester by adjournment 
from y'' 26 of January 1746-7 to monday y" 9 Febry following and 
then met 

Voted that it is the unanimous disire of y*" Town that y'" Comitte 
appointed y" 26 of January last Earnestly apply to the Revd nV. 
Thadies m''Carty and desire that he would forthwith Come and 
preach amongst us a few Sabeths and y'^ matters Contained in y'' 
warrant Relating to y*" Towns Concurring with the Church be fur- 
ther Continued with y*" adjournment of this meeting to monday y'' 
23 Instent at one a Clock afternoon & the Comitte are desired to 
be as Speedy in their application as possibly may be. 

atts Danil He}n\'ood, modr. 



at a (General Town meeting held at Worcester by adjournment 
from monday Febr 9 : 1746-7 to monday the 23 of Said month (S: 
then met. 

The Rev m"" Thadaus m''Carty having by Coll Chandler Comuni- 
cated to y*' Town The Result of y*^ Councel Relating to Certain 
Differences between him and the Church of Christ in Kingston to- 
gether with what he offered them in order to a Reconciliation as 



76 Early Records. [^747- 

also the Votes of Said Church & y*" Town of Kingston Respe6ling 
his Dismission from his Pastorall Relation to them as also a paper 
by him Signed this Day whearupon the Question was put whether 
y*' Town would Concurr with y^ Church of Christ in their vote of 
y'^ 19 of January last in y'' Choice of y*^ Said m'' Thades m'^Carty to 
y^ Pastorall office in this Town it past in y'^ affirmitive by a very 
grate majority but three persons disenting. 

Voted that y" Sum of one hundred pounds in Bills of y'^ last 
Emission or other bills of Equel value be annually payd to y'' Rev*^ 
mr Thadeus m'^^Carty as a Sallary during his Continuence in y*' 
work of the ministry in this Town y*" time of his Sallery to begin 
Imediatly upon his Installment to y'^ Pastorall office amongst us 
allways provided that y*^ lands in this Town Called ministearel lands 
be left to y" Disposition of y*" Town & that he give a proper In- 
strument under his hand Duly Executed for that purpose that y"" 
affair of a Setlement be left for further Consideration to y*^ adjourn- 
ment of this meeting & that y*^ Honrbl John Chandler Esq''. Dea- 
con nioore, mr Biglo, Cpt Flagg, major Heywood, Jonas Rice Esq\ 
cfe m'' Thom Stearns be a Comitte to Inform him of y*" Towns pro- 
ceeding and that it is their desire that he Supply y*" pulpit as much 
as he Can personaly till y'" affair of his Setlement is further a6fed 
on by y'' Town & then untill he Shall give his answer & that Said 
Comitte Confer with him as to a Setlement in what maner may be 
agreeable to him and Report to y*" Town at y*" adjournment of this 
meeting. 

Voted that this meeting be adjourned to ) '' fourth monday of 
march next at one a Clock afternoon. 

attes Danil Heywood, modr. 



at a General Town meeting held at Worcester march 2 : 1746-7 
Regulerly assembled at y" meeting house for y'^ Choice of Town 
officers &c John Chandler Esq'' was Chosen moderator. 

atts Jonas Rice, T Cler. 

John Chandler Esq', mr Joshua Biglo, mr James Boyd, Cpt. 
Danil ward, Benjamen Flagg Esq''. Sele6tmen 3 Sworn assessors. 

Jonas Rice Esqr. Town Cler Sworn. 



174/.] Toivn of Worcester. yj 

John Chandler Esq'' T Tresurer. Sworn. 

Nathanil adams, william Johnson, Constables. 

John Chaddick, Sealer of Lether. Sworn. 

Edward Knight Jur. David Bancroft, andrew m'farlind. william 
mahon. Fence Viewrs. Sworn. 

Thomas adams, absalom Rice, Tythingmen. Sworn. 

Isaac moore, James Goodwin, Deer Reeves. Sworn. 

major Heywood, Cler of y*" niarkit. Sw. 

Joseph Clerk Jur. Joseph wyley, Enoch Cook, Benj Crosby. 
Robert Gray, John Gates, Luke Brown, Hog Reeves. Sworn. 

Benj" Flagg Esq^ Danil Hubbard, Tyrus Rice, Samuel mower. 
Elisha Smith, Cpt Golding, Joseph Clerk, Nathanil moore. Sur- 
veyors of highways. Sworn. 

Voted that the Selectmen provid a Sutable Schoolmaster for the 
year Ensuing at y'' Charge of y*" Town. 

The Sele6\men made Return of a three Road layd out from 
Shrewsbury line by m'' James Hows k John Knights land to Hol- 
din line which y*^ Town accept & order to be Recorded. 

Voted that Benj" Flagg Esq', m' James Goodwin and major 
Heywood, be a Comitte fully Impowred to Setle accuts with 
John Chandler Esfjr. Town Tresurer tl' Report their doings there- 
on to the adjournment of this meeting for acceptence if it may be. 

Voted that y*" Town will C\_)ntinue for one year next Ensuing the 
Incourigment for Killing of wolves vizt fourty Shillings Last Emis- 
sion also for Killing of Rattelsnaks viz' Sixpence Last Emission to 
be payd by y*^ Town Tresr for all Killed in this Town iv: Suitable 
proof made thereof or at Stone house hill. 

The Town Settled by their Vote a List of Petit Jurymen and 
dire6led that Thirty of them Serve at y*' SujKMrour Courts (S: y'' Rest 
at y" Infirour Courts i^ derecled y'' Selectmen to put them into 
boxes for that E^nd. 

In answer to y" 8 article in y'^ warrant Voted that y" Sum of one 
hundred and fifty pounds in last Emission bills of Creditt be as- 
sessed on y'' Poles & Estates in this Town according to the Rules 
Set in y'' last Tax a6t and as near to y'' List of Polls & Estates taken 
the last year as may be So as that Justice be Don and that y*^ Same 
be assessed in y" month of april next and lists thereof Comitted to 



78 Early Records. [i747- 

Coleclers to be Chosen for that purpose with warrants for Cole6t- 
ing the Same, that Said Sum be this year applyed Towards mak- 
ing Such Bridges as are necessary and for Repairing decayd ones 
and for puting all needful! Causways and Roads into good Repair 
and keeping them So within this Town that the Inhabitents of the 
Town have Liberty of working out Each one his Respective Tax or 
assessment if they See Cause at y'' following prices namly for a man 
Three Shillings and Sixpence f^ day, for a yoak of oxen one Shill- 
ing & Sixpence \) day, for a Cart nine pence \> day all in last Imis- 
sion bill of Creditt and in that proportion for a longer or Shorter 
time provided they work faithfully and hnd themselves and if any 
person or persons assessed as aforesd Shall negledt and Refuse to 
work out his or their Tax having had Six days notice given him by 
y^ Surveyers of highways that then he Shall pay his Tax in bills of 
Creditt as aforesaid to be Collected as other Town Taxes are by 
the Collegers and the money So Collected to be applyed to and 
for the uses aforesaid and for no other Said Collegers to Com- 
pleat their Collections and Settle accounts with the Town Tresurer 
by y'' 25 day of Decerabor next That the Selectmen with a Just- 
ice of y'^ peace Set forth to Each Surveyer his Distri61 or Limitts 
in which he is to work agreeable to Law— and it was further voted 
that Benjamin Flagg Esq^ r>anil Hubberd, Tyrus Rice, Samuel 
mower, Elisha Smith, Cp'. (iolding, Joseph Clerk & nathanil moore 
jur. being the Surveyers of highways for y^ year Ensuing be the 
Collectors for Collecting this Tax & disposing of y" Same accord- 
ing to the Intent of this Vote and to be under oath agreable to 
Law for faithfully discharging their duty they were all Sworn in y*" 
meeting. 

Voted that Such parts of y^ Town as have aftualy had winter or 
othor Schooling amongst them be allowed pay for the Same out of 
y*^ Town Tresurey as y'^ Seletimen Shall order having Regard to y* 
Taxes of Such parts of y'' Town. 

Voted that the Sixth & Tenth articles* in y*" warrent with y*" affair 

"^ Sixth article : — "To Receive ye Return of ye Comitte appointed to draw 
a Scheem for ye Disposing or Leasing & better Improving the Publick lands 
li; to adt thereon what may be needfull." 

Tenth article: — "To See if ye Town will take into Consideration ye pur- 
chising of a parsonage & to adl therein a[s] they think proper." 



1 747-] Town of Worcester. ^ 79 

of the Constables & other things be Continued to the afljournmcnt 
of this meeting for further Consideration. 

Voted that this meeting be adjourned to y*' fourth monday in 
march Current at Two of y'' Clock afternoon to meet at this place 
and y*^ Said meeting was accordingly adjourned. 

atlcs John Chandler, mcxlr. 

We the Subscribers Selectmen of Worcester have layd out a Road 
of three pearch wide in This Town as follows vizt to begin at the 
line between this Town and Shrewsbury whear they have laid out 
a Town Road leading from y*" Countre\' Road towards Ruttland and 
from thence as y'' Road is now trod leading by y'' new Dwelling 
house of mr James How till it Comes over a Brook the bounds of 
Ezekiell Hows land & as Soon as it Comes over y" Said Brook to go 
through Said Ezekiell hows land So as to Straiten y'' Road d" Then 
to Extend to John Knights farm whear y" old Road went through 
his land and then to pass thro Said Knights land within fence leav- 
ing a Swale of mowing land not far from his house to the north of 
this Road and then to goe Southward a little of Said Knights Cow 
house or Howill & then to Extend westward to y'' Road that has 
been formerly Trod or Rod in as now used till it meets with Hol- 
(iin line all persons Concerned giving the land. Worcester Fel)ry 
4 : 1746. 

and we pray y^ Town at their annual! meeting in march next to 

allow & approve of y'' Same. 

John Chandler ^ o , n? 
-;. ., TT A) Selectmen 

Dam! Hey wood f r 

Beni" Flayer i ■ , 
T, •, , 1 woreesh-r 

J) am I ward 

at y" annual Town meeting in march 1746-7 the Town accepted 
y" Return of y'^ above Road and orderd y'' Same to be Recorded. 

Attr John Chandler, modr. 



at a Town meeting held at Worcester the 23 day of manh i 746-7 
by adjournment from y'' 26 day of January & then met. 

The Town taking into Consideration the aftair of a Settlement 
for y'' Rev'' mr maccarty & after Some Debate thereon it was Vo- 
ted that y'^ Town apprehand it will be of more Service to mr mar- 



8o Early Records. [1747. 

carty as well as to y'^ Town to purchise a parsonage to be for his 
use & advantige as also for future ministers tliereupon this meet- 
ing was dissovld. attest Danil Heywood, modr. 



at a Town meeting held at Worcester the 23'' day of march a. D. 
1746-7 by adjournment from the third day of Said month. 

William Johnson and nathanil adams who ware Chosen Con- 
stables the third Current moved to the Town that they would 
Chuse Danil Hubberd & Dr. Harvey to Serve in their Stead with 
whome they had agreed to Serve whearupon y'' Town made Choice 
of Zachariah Harvey to Serve in y'' Roome of Sd Johnson and 
Danil Hubbard to Serve in y" Roome of Said adams & they ware 
both Sworn in the meeting. 

Jonathan Grout, Elisha Hedg & Danil Holdin ware Chosen 
Hogwards or field drivers and Said Grout was Sworn in y^ meet- 
ing. 

The Comitte on y*^ Town Tresurers ac6ts made Report thereon 
and then y* Town Voted that John Chandler Esq'' Town Tresurer 
be Discharged of y*^ Sum of one lumdred fourty Two pound Six 
Shillings & nine pence halfpeny being the Several payments by him 
made and that he further account for y" Sum of Twenty one pound 
Eight Shillings & one peney half peny Last Emission Bills of Cred- 
it! a ballence in favour of the Town. 

In answer to y^ Tenth article in y" warrant the Comitte appoint- 
ed to draw a Scheem for y'' disposing Leasing k better Improving 
the publick lands having madea varble Report persuant to y*^ Sixth 
article in y'^ warrant The Town thereupon Came into y*^ following 
Vote vizt That the Sum of Three hundred pounds Last Emission 
Bills of Creditt be Granted to be Raised on y*' Town and that y'' 
Same be Invested in a Reale Estate as y'' Town Shall dire61: and 
that y*^ Same together with one hundred acres of y" publick lands 
lying on y"" Country Road leading to Leicester fourty three acres 
at the Rear of land belonging to the heirs of william Jenison Esq' 
four acres of medow Called ministeral meadow and y'" School land 
near y*" meeting house that is within fence at y'^ Expiration of y* 



1 747-] Toivn of Worcester. 8i 

leases of Said School land be Sequestred to lye forever hearafter 
for a parsonage for y'' use of the next Settled minister in this Town 
and for futuer ministers. 

and that So much of Said Sum of three hundred pounds as 
Shall not be Raised by Selling or leasing of the Remainder of Y 
publick land or that Shall be ad\anced by the propriators as is 
proposed by the Sale of y'' Comon ^: undivided land in this Town 
be assessed on y"^ Polls & Elstats of y*^ Town agreeable to law 
&: Colle6led and payd into y" Town Tresurey in one year & to 
be applyed For the use aforesd and that Efe6tual Care be taken 
that the Next and future ministers dont use any timber or wood 
more than they want for their own Particuler use. 

Voted that Benjamin Flagg Esq"", m'' Samuel mower & Leut 
Thomas Stearns be a Comitte to wait upon the Rev'' m"' m''artv 
and Informe him of y" above vote and upon his acceptence of the 
Call or Invitation of y'' Church & Town to the work of the min- 
istry amongst us they Provide in the Best way & maner they Can 
a Suitable and Convenient House for y*^ Reception of him t*i: his 
familey till further provision be made. 

Voted that y" aforesd Comitte Return y*^ Thanks of y^' Town to 
the Propriators for their Generous purposs to assist the Town in 
the Purchising a Personage to Lye cV be for y*" next Settled min- 
ister amongst us & for future ministers &: assure them of the Grat- 
fuU Sence y" Town has of their Kind Intentions to Serve them here- 
in and of their Great Dependence thereon. 

Voted that Benjmen Flagg Es(]^ in'' Thomas wheelor, Leu'. 
Tims Rice be a Comitte in y'' name and Behalf of y" Town to Dis- 
pose of the Remainder of y' Publick lands and medows for the 
best advantige of the Town and it is left to their Prudence and 
Discretion whether they Petition the General Court for Liberty to 
Sell y^ Same or lease it out for nine hundred ninty nine years to 
Such person or persons as Shall apper to Buy or purchise y" Same 
and that Publick Notice be given of y*" Time & place of Sale or 
Leasing Said lands that y" highest Bider have y'^ Preference that 
they Sell the Same in parcells if they apprehend it most for y'" ad- 
vantige of y*" Town & in Case they Lease the Said lands that then 
y^ Lessees pay as a Rent therefor if Demanded a Barley Corn ^r 



82 Early Records. [i747- 

year Each During the Continuance of the Leases to y*" Town Tres- 
urer or to his Successors the Consideration of y*^ Lease to be the 
money and also Said Barly Corn and that it Shall be at the pleas- 
ure or option of the proper Signers of Each Respective Lease if 
they See Cause at the Termination of Said Leases to Renew y'' 
Same for a like Number of years then next after paying as a Rent 
for the Same one Barly Corn yearly if Demanded and i'urther the 
Fown Vote that they will Effe6lually and to all Intents and pur- 
poses and they by this vote oblige themselves as a Town and 
the Town in Succeeding Generations During Said Time & Term 
of the Continuence of Said Leases to Save and fully to Indemni- 
fye Said Comitte of & from all Loses Costs Harm and Damige 
that accrue to them at any time hearafter in Consequence of what 
they do or aft by vertue of this vote. 

The Question was put whether y'" Town would proceed to y' 
Choice of Two Seleftmen to Serve as Such & as assessors in the 
Roome of John Chandler & Benj" Flagg Esn/ who ware Chosen the 
Third day of march Lastent and had not taken their othes as as- 
sessors & it past in y*" negative. 

attst John Chandler, modrator. 



at a meeting of the Qualified voters of y" Town of Worcester up- 
on due warning given assembled at y" meeting house may 4 : 1 747 
John Chandler Chosen modrator. 

atts Jonas Rice, T. Cler. 

Voted that y" following Sums of money be Granted vizt 

The bum of Thirty Seven pound Ten Shillings for ye 

Suport of a proper School or Schools ye present year 37 10 
To mr James Brown for Ringing ye Bell i 05 

To Cpt Danil ward for Sweeping ye meeting house and 

for his horse a Jurney for mr mayhew i i 3 

I'o John Chandler Jur. for finding nails & boards & 
hording mr mayhew & for a horse to Gary down 
mr Emerson 215 o 

To Ebenezer Stearns for his horse for mr Lawrence 063 

To Thomas Parker for a Chair for ye School house 036 

To Thomas adams for Samuel Bixbys Taxes 012 6 

To John Chandler Jur to Remburse John Spone[?] Tax 

"iven I :; 10 



1 747-] Town of Worcester. 83 

That ye Sum of five pound Six Shillings be granted to 

pay ye County Tax for this year 560 

To pay for .Schooling at Tatnuck ye year past 112 o 

To Ditto at Bogachoge ' 3 7 ^ 

In all fifty five pound five Shillings last Imission 55 5 o 

Bills of Credilt 

Voted that the above Sum with y'" Sallary for mr maccarty and 
Y* money Granted for to buy a parsonage et Such other Sums as 
may be Granted this year be made into Tax or assessment by y" 
assessors & that y'' whole be payd in by the first day of next march 
to y" Town Tresurer. 

after Some debate on y*" Second article in y*" warrant y*" Question 
was finaly put by dividing y^ voters whether the Schoole for y' 
present year Should be a moving School & it passed in y'" Negative. 

Voted that the Skirts or Quartors of y" Town that Shall keep .n 
Schoole or Schools ^ y® elowence of y^ Selectmen be allowed their 
proportionable part of y*" School Tax. 

The answer of the Rev^ mr maccarty to Church being ('ommii- 
nicated to y*^ Town y*^ following votes passed 

first voted that John Chandler. Jonas Rice & Benjamin Flagg 
Esqrs. Cp'Golding, Messrs Thomas wheeler. Samuel mower. Thom- 
as Stearns, John Curtice and Joshua Biglo be a Comitte forthwith 
to meet & Consult what may be most for the advantige of the 
Town whither to build a house barn ivc or in Lue thereof to pur- 
chise Some house Standing on land near v*" meeting house to be 
fited up So as handsomly to accomodate the Rev'' mr maccart\- 
and that the house So purchised with any other buildings be kept 
in Constent good Repair at the Charge of the Town and in Case 
they Should Conclude to purchise that then y*" Town be Informed 
thereof that So they may give orders for disposing of Some more 
of the publick lands to Enable them to make Such purchise the 
Same to ly for a perpetuall Parsonage agreeable to former votes of 
the Town. 

Secondly it was further Voted that if y" Comitte Should not pur- 
chise but determine to build that then they build a Suitable house 
Barn & out house of Such dimensions as they Shall [judge] proper 



84 Early Records. [i747- 

and to be handsomly & Compieatly finished as Soon as may be at 
y^ Charge of y"" Town and in doing y" Same that they let tlie work 
out by the Great or otherwise as they apprehend will be most ad- 
vantageous. 

Thirdly voted that the Comitte formerly appointed to provid for 
the Reception of ni'' maccarty & his familey provid keeping for a 
horse & one or Two Cows as he Shall Chuse untill he [comes in-] 
to y*^ possession & Improvement of y*^ lands designed for a Parson- 
age and they are also diridted to agree with those persons who 
have Leases of any of those lands to Resign the Same on as Ease\- 
Terms as may be and to procure liberty in y*^ meen time to build 
thereon if need bee. 

Fourthly the Town taking into Consideration the fixing y*^^ one 
hundred pound last Emission bills of Creditt Granted as a Sallary 
to mr maccarty and after Some debate thereon Come into y'= fol- 
lowing vote viz' that when they made that Grant they had Spesial 
Regard to the Small value of y*^ bills of Creditt which Induced 
them to Grant that Sum but if y" future Circumstances of his fam-" 
iley Shall Call for it they Shall Chearfully & willingly make him 
Such further addition as may be Judged proper from time to time 
but decline fixing the Same. 

Fifthly voted that if it be. agreeable to y*' Rev*^ m'' maccarty and 
y" Church that y'^ time for his Installment be on the Second Wed- 
nesday of June next & that Cp' ward, Cp' Chandler, Messrs John 
Chaddick, Cornelius waldo, Janies Cccdwin, Ephrim Curtice, 
John Cirtice & Danil Hubburd be a Comitte at the Charge of y* 
Town to provide for the handsome Entertainment of Such Rev** 
Gendmen & the Delegates of y^ Churches to be Sent too for that 
purpose & for Such other Gentl™ as may be present at y^ Solemnity 
& also to provide pastering for their horses. 

Voted that Decon moore, Messrs Samuel mower, Joshua Biglo, 
Cornelious waldo & John Cirtice wait on y" Rev*' mr maccarty with 
y'' foregoing votes. Attr John Chandler, modr. 



at a Town meeting Regulerly assembled at y*" meeting house in 



1 747-] Town of Worcester. 85 

Worcester June 15 : 1747 upon due warning given John Chandler 
Esqr Chosen modrator. attest Jonas Rice, T. Cler. 

Voted that y® Cost of y'' Instahnent of y'' Rev'' mr maccarty be- 
ing Twenty Six pound Sixteen ShilHng^ & Two pence farthing last 
Emission be now granted to be Raised on y'' Poles and Estates of 
y" Town agreeable to Law which Sum with y^ Severall Sums all- 
redy granted be made in one Tax and that one Third part there- 
of be Colle6led and payd unto y"" Town Tresurer by y'' 25 day of 
next December and y'^ Residue of the whole l)y the first day of 
ncKt march and by Sd Town Tresurer to be payd for the purposes 
iS: Intentions of y" Several Grants and that y'' Sum now granted be 
paid to Cp' John Chandler to be by him paid to whome it is due 
and be allowd Lawful Litrest for y" Same from time to time until) 
he be Repaid the whole. 

Voted that this meeting and the affairs in y" warrant not fullv 
acted on be adjourned to y'^ fourth monday in august next at three 
a Clock afternoon for further Consideration & that y'^ Comitte 
heartofore appointed for purchising lands for a ministry or for 
building a ministerial house &:c in y° meen time proceed in that 
affair according to their best Discrition & Report thereon at that 
time but in Case they Should make Such progress therein as they 
may apprehend it best to lay y*^ affair before y'^ Town Sooner that 
then they apply to y'^ Sele6lmen for Calling a meeting for that pur- 
pose. 

and this meeting was adjournd accordingly. 

atts John Chandler, modrator. 



att a Town meeting Regulerly assembled at y^ meeting house in 
Worcester august 24 : 1747 by adjournment from the 15"' of June 
Last 

The Comitte heartofore appointed for Purchising land for a Per- 
sonage k&i made a Varble Report whearupon y^ Town Voted to 
Purchise Cap* Danil wards house with y" lands adjoyning being 
about Thirty acres provided it may be Purchised for four hundred 
pound Last Emission Bills of Creditt and also y" house & barn be- 
longing to y" Rev"* m'' Isaac Burr with y"' half acre of land on which 
they Stand provided y" Same may be had or bought for one hun- 



86 Early Records. [i747- 

dred & Sixty Two pound Ten Shillings last Emission Bills of Cred- 
itt and that Sd Comitte in Case m'' Burrs place be Bought Dispose 
of Cp' wards house with y" Buildings & So much of y'' land as they 
in their best Discretion may Judg proper & most benificial for y^ 
Town the money arising by Such Sale to be applyed towards pay- 
ing for the Said purchises. 

at/est John Chandler, modr. 



att a Town meeting Regulerly assembled at y" meeting house 
m Worcester august 24 : 1747 upon due warning given. 

Voted that in as much as y'' Town have agreed and voted to 
purchise Cap' Danil wards House and land adjoyning and y*^ Rev. 
mr Burrs house & barn & y" land on which they Stand Therefore 
Voted that y*" publick land Lying near y*" meeting house be Leased 
out for nine hundred ninty nine years for the most they will fetch 
and one Shilling Lawfull money to be payd annualy as a Rent the 
money arising by Such Lease to be applyed for & Towards paying 
for purchising of the Personage house & land : and that Benjamin 
Flagg Esqr. m'' Thomas wheeler & Leu' Tyrus Rice be a Comitte 
to Dispose of y^ Same accordingly and y^ Town Voted to Indem- 
nifie them fully therein. 

It was also further Voted that in as much as the Town have 
voted & Determined to purchise a Reale Estate for a personage 
of y*" value of Twenty Two hundred & fifty pounds which is more 
by one Thousand & fifty pounds than what was formerly agreed 
upon that John Chandler & Benjamin Flagg Esqrs be a Comitte 
fully Impowred to Petition y*" Grate and General Court for Liberty 
to Sell forty acres of ministry land So Called adjoyning to land of 
y® heirs of william Jenison Esq"' the money arising by Such Sale to 
be applyed towards paying the purchise Consideration aforesaid. 

Attest John Chandler, modr. 

Worcester Ss. 

To mr Danil Hubbard one of y*" Constables of y^ Town of Wor- 
cester (ireeting 



1 747-] Town of Worcester. 87 

A major part of y"" Comitte appointed by y"' Town heartofore to 
purchise Lands for a personage c^c having on y*" 31 of angust last 
made a Recjuest to us the Subscribers Selectmen of Worcester in 
the words following vizt : 

Sence y*" last Town meeting we have prevailed with Deacon 
Nathanil moorc to take a Journey to Windsor to See if y'' Revd mr 
Isaac lUuT would Sell his house (S: Barn and y" land on which they 
Stand for y'" Sum of one hundred Sixty Two pounds Ten Shillings 
last Emission Bills of Creditt persuant to a late vote of y'' Town tv 
he having by Decon moore Returned for answer thai he will Com- 
ply with y" Towns offor for good pay and that he will also assign 
Danil willards obligation for Twelve pound Ten Shillings last Emis- 
sion bills of Creditt for finishing the house and in as much as 
there is a necessity for a grant to be made by y*^ Town Sufficient 
to make y" purchises proposed ts: Concluded upon at Said meeting 
with a vote to Indemnifie the Comitte in their Ingagments for the 
money as also to give Direc^tions for finishing one of the houses 
proposed to be bought and for ways & meens to be agreed upon 
for Raising money therefor and also L)ire6tions to be given for 
y*" Just & Equal discount out of y'' money to be Raised by Tax for 
So much as will be Raised Either [by] the Propriators & given to 
y* Town or by y*" Sale of the ministerial land for which liberty is 
alredy obtained or from the Sale of what is proposed to obtain 
liberty for to Sell and from the Publick land near y'' meeting house 
proposed to be Leased &:6l and also to give Directions for fiting 
up m' Burrs house for y*" present nesessity &: Conveinency of m' 
m'^^cartys famicly and to grant what money may be needfull there- 
for or for any other thing the Town Shall think proper to doe Re- 
lating to y'" Premises and Such other things as may be needfull and 
also for giving Directions how and in what maner the Deed or 
Deeds that be taken of y'' lands proposed to be bought and finaly 
in Case the Town upon further Consideration Should think it prop- 
er in luc of what they have hetherto done incline to give mr mac- 
carty in Case he accepts thereof a Certain Sum of money to Sede 
himself and in Case they Should So doe then to Dire6l how «& in 
what way to Dispose of y*" publick lands near y" meeting house to 



88 Early Records. [i747- 

aid y" Town therein in Such way as y*^ Town think proper where- 
fore we pray a Town meeting may be Called for these purposes as 
Soon as may be with Conveincy. 

These are therefore to Require you in y*^ usual way & manor to 
warn & give notice to y" Qualified voters in this Town to assemble 
& meet together at y*^^ meeting house on Fryday y*^ Eleventh In- 
stent by one of y*^ Clock in the afternoon precisly then & there to 
vote & a6t on articles aforesaid and you are also to notifie all 
persons in Said Town who have not yet given in Lists of their Es- 
tats to bring them in at Said meeting to y*" Selectmen. 

Fail not & make Return hearof of your doings hearin timly 
to y'' Selectmen Dated at Worcester this Second day of Septr 

A Dom 1747 by order of y*" Seleftmen. 

Jonas Rice, T Cler. 



h.\. a Town meeting Regulerly assembled at y*^ meeting house in 
Worcester on Fryday y*" Eleventh of Septembr AD i 747 upon due 
warning given John Chandler Escf C modr. 

Attes Jonas Rice, T Cler. 

The Warrant for y*" meeting being Read and after a Debate 
thereon y" Question was Put whether y*^ Town Inclined to give a 
Certain Sum of money as a Setlement to y*" Revd mr maccarty in 
Case he would accept Thereof Instfead of a Personage and it pased 
in the Negative by a very grate majority. 

It was also voted that y" Comitte heartofore Chosen & appoint- 
ed for Purchising a Personage &c doe as Soon as may be Cora- 
pleat y" proposed Bargain with Cp Danil ward for his place that 
y*" Deed Thereof be taken in the Name of John Chandler Esqr the 
Present Town Tresurer and to his Successors in Said office for Ever 
to & for the Special use and Service of y*" Church and Congration 
in this Town to lye for and forever to Remain as a personag for 
y'" use & Service of y'' Rev'^ mr maccarty our Present Pastor Dur- 
mg his Continuance in y" work of y'^^ ministry amongst us and 
also for Such future ministers as Shall be Legally & Regulerly 
SeUed in this Town of y*" Congregational Perswasion vizt for the 



1 747-] 



Tozvii of Worcester. 89 



use Service k Benifit of Such ministers as Shall Successivly be 
Settled a Pastor over the Church «S: Congregation in this Town 
as Successors to mr maccarty^forever and too and for no other 
use : that y'' Comitte Ingage to pay f Purchise Consideration in 
Such time as they Can agree for in which y'' Town will Indemni- 
fye them is. fully to Enable them (It was voted that a grant of Three 
hundred pounds in Last Emission Bills of Creditt be now made 
and that the Same be Leveid on y*" Poles and Estates of the In- 
habitents of y*" Town agreeable to law) with y'' money alredy 
(jranted and to be pa)'d into y'' Town Tresury by the Last of next 
march which Sum with y'' 'i'hree hundred pounds heartofore Grant- 
ed making in y" whole Six hundred pounds be applyed by the 
Comitte to pay Said Purchise and to make Such new addation to 
to y^ house alredy on the place as to Render the Same accomad- 
able for the Reception of mr maccarty and his family and most 
Conducive to y*" advantige of the Town and that in Prosecuting y*" 
Trust Now & heartofore Reposed in them they Proceed in Such 
way as may be most Effedlual for Compleating the Building in all 
Regards well and as Soon as may be according to their Best Des- 
cretion. 

Voted that y'" Town Tresurer pay Said money agreeably and in 
all Regards according to y'' Design of y"" grant and as the Said 
(Comitte Shall want y* Same for y" purposes aforesaid. 

Voted that the money that may be Raised Either by the Pro- 
priators and given to y^ Town or by y'' Sale of the ministerial land 
for which Liberty is alredy obtained or from the Sale of what is pro- 
posed to obtain Liberty to Sell and from the publick lands near y'' 
meeting house proposed to be Leased be payd into y^ hands of the 
Town Tresurer for y'' time being and that y"^ Sele6lmen & assessors 
Proportion y^ Same too & among all y'' People Taxed in Propor- 
tion to Each ones Tax & that orders pass from y'' Town Tresurer 
to y*-' Constables to Discount the Same accordingly. 

Voted that y" Comitte appointed to make Sale of the ministerial 
Lott of one hundred acres and for Leasing of y'' Publick land near 
y*^ meeting house be Desired forthwith to Prosecute that affair ac- 
cording to former votes in which the Town will Indemnifye them 
fully to all Intents and purposes that So y® Town may have the 
Benifitt of y'' money. 

BOOK II. 12 



90 Early Records. [i747- 

Voted that Benjamin Flagg Esq^ mesrs Samuel mower & Thom- 
as Stearns forthwith at y" Cost of y*" Town Put y"^ Revd mr Burrs 
house into Such Repair as may be necessary for the Comfort of mr 
maccarty & his familey as also y** Barn for keeping his horse and 
other Creturs aggreable t(» former votes. 

At Said meeting y'" foregoing Votes past. 

Atts John Chandler, modr. 



at a Town meeting Regulerly assembled at y" meeting house in 
Worcester on Fryday the 25 Day of September AD 1 747 upon Due 
warning given John Chandler Esq'' was Chosen modr. 

attst Jonas Rice, T Cler. 

Inasmuch as it appears that Cp' Danil ward has Refused Selling 
his place on y*^ Terms proposed 

Voted that y*^ Comitte hetherto Chosen and appointed to pur- 
chise a personage etc Do as Soon as may be Purchise Doctor Sam- 
uel Brecks house and Land on which it Stands being Two acres 
and a Quarter provided he will take one hundred Eighty Seven 
pound Ten Shillings Last Emission Bills of Creditt for y'' Same 
Seventy five pound whearof to be payd him in one month and one 
hundred and Twelve pound Ten Shillings the Remainder of Said 
Sum to be payd by y'" first of april next Provided also the Dofter 
Deliver up the possession of the house So that m'' maccarty have 
Liberty to Remove into y'' Same and y'' Comitte are to Let y* 
Do6lor Live in mr Burrs house Till 3'' first of april next that the 
Deed be taken in all Regards in y" way & manner proposed and 
voted to be Taken at the meeting of the Eleventh Instent of Cap' 
ward. 

It was also voted that the Grant of Three hundred pounds Last 
Emission made at Said meeting be not assessed as by the Grant 
was proposed but the former Grant of Three hundred pounds be 
applyed for paying the purchise Consideration to Doctor Breck 
and for Compleatly finishing the house Building & Finishing a 
Suitable Kitchin & Studdy and for Repairing the Barn and addition 
thereto for y*' Chaise house or Building a new one to answer both 



1 747-] Tozmi of Worcester. 91 

Ends to Stone y^ well fence in a Gardin place and Such otlier 
things as y*^ Committe Shall Judge proper. 

It was also Voted that y'' Cemmitte for Selling y"^^ one hundred 
acres of ministerial land be as Speedy as may be in y" Sale Thereof 
and that y*' Tax be made So hiuch y*^ Less as the Land Sells for 
and y'" Committe are Directed to Sell the Same for Redy money to 
be payd into y'" hands of y"^ Tresurer and applyed for )■'' purposes 
Designed and that the First payment to DocTtor Breck be made 
out of y" Same and that y'' Comitte for Leasing y'' Publick land 
near y*^ meeting house Dont proceed in that affair the Same being 
to Lye for y*^ use of m"" maccarty as formerly proposed, 
the foregoing votes past at Said meedng 

atts John Chandler, modr. 



att a Town meeting held at Worcester on Fryday y^ 16 day of 
October a D 1747 upon due warning given John Chandler Escy. 
Chosen modr. aiest Jonas Rice, T C. 

Upon a debate on y" first article in y'^ vvarrent y*^ Town ware of 
opinion that inasmuch as Dor Hervey one of the present Constables 
is not yet Removed out of Town it was not proper to Chuse a Con- 
stable or Colle6tor to CoUedl the Taxes of this year in his Roome 
but Danil LIubberd one of y" present Constables appeared in y*" 
meeting & Consented to Collect y" whole Taxes this article was not 
a6led on Save that the Town are Consenting to Sd Hubbards Col- 
lecting the whole Taxes y" present year. 

Voted that John Chandler, Jonas Rice, Benjamin Flagg Esqrs 
be a Comitte to procure a highway to y'' ministerial land at y'' Rear 
of Judge Jenisons heirs land on y*-" best Terms they Can Either by 
paying for y*^ Same in money or in land and Report their doings 
to y" Town at y" next march meeting for their approbation. 

Voted that John Chandler, Jonas Rice & Benjamin Flagg Escjrs 
Deacon moore, Major Heywood, m'' Thomas Wheelor and m'' 
James Boyd be a ("omitte for Seeting y'' meeting house for i)re- 
venting persons from Sitting Disorderly that y'' Rules for Governing 
themselves by therein be age pay «S: Dignity as near as may be 



92 Early Recoi^ds. [1748. 

and that y* Committe in Regard to pay Look Back to y" Taxes of 
I 745 & 1 746 together with y*^ present year. 

Attest John Chandler, modr. 



. at a General Town meeting held at Worcester march 7 : 1747-8 
for y" Choice of Town officers at Sd meeting Benjamin Flagg Esq*^ 
was Chosen modr. atts Jonas Rice, T Clerk. 

at Sd meeting y*" following persons were Chosen Town officers 
for y*^ year Ensuing vizt 

•John Chandler Esq^ -Benj" Flagg Esq"", -major Danil Hey- 
wood, 'm\ Thomas Stearns, -Cp' John Chandler Jur. Selectmen & 
assessors. 

•Jonas Rice, T Clerk. 

•Danil Boyden, •Israel Jenison, Constables. 

•John Chandler Esq''. T Tresurer. 

•Cp' Benj" Flagg, -Danil Hubbard, 'Tirus Rice, -Samuel mower, 
•Joshua Biglo, -Joseph Clerk, -John Boyden, -Robert Barbor, Sur- 
veyors of highways & CoUedtors of y*^ highway Rate. 

■John Chaddick, Sealor of Lether. 

•David Bancroft, 'Ebenezer Willington, -Luke Brown, fence view- 
ers. 

James Goodwin, "John Smith, Tythingmen. 

•John Gates, •absalom Rice, Deer Reives. 

■major Danil Heywood, C of y*" markitt. 

•Nathanil Green, •obadiah ward, "James Forbush Junr. Edward 
Knight, "Joseph moore, hog Reives. 

The persons marked • are all Sworn to y*" Faithfull Discharg of 
their Respective offices. 

James Brown Chosen Grandjuryman. 

Voted that y" Town will Continue the Incourigment for Killing 
of woulves and Rattlesnaks for one year next Ensuing. 

Voted that messrs Cornelius waldo, John Chaddick & Joshua 
Biglo be a Comitte to Setle accots with the Town Tresr and make 
Report. 

Voted that one hundred pound last Emission bill of Creditt be 
granted for the Repairing highways and Bridges in this Town Sayd 



1748.] Toivn of Worcester. 93 

money to be assessed and Disposed of in y^ Same method as the 
one hundred l\: fifty pound was granted y'' last year. 

Voted that major Heywood, Lieut. Tyrs Rice, Cp' Flagg, m'' 
John Cirtise iS: m'' Joshua Biglo be. a Comilte to agree with the 
Leasers of the School land if they C'an upon Reasonable Terms 
that So y^ Rev** mr maccarty may Come into y" fiiU Possession of 
them this Spring agreeable to y'' Vote of y*" Town. 

Voted that the Second article* in y*" warrant together with y*" 
other affairs not a6led on be Continued to the adjournment of this 
meeting ibr further Consideration. 

and then y" meeting was adjourned to the first monday of april 
next at Ten a Clock in y*^ forenoon at the meeting house in Said 
Town. afts Benj" Flagg, modr. 



at a meeting of y" Qualified Voters in Worcester by adjournment 
from march 7 : 1747-8 to april 4 : 1748 and then met 
- Voted that y"^ Sele6lmen provid a Leagul & Suitable School mas- 
ter for y** year F^nsuing on as Reasonable Terms as they Can. 

Voted that y^ Sum of one hundred pound granted in march last 
for making mending & Repairing of highways tlx in y'' Town the 
Current year be assessed agreeable to dire6lion for making y'' Tax 
y" Last year Called y*^ highway Tax and Lists with warrants be Com- 
itted to y*^ Several Surveyers in the way direfted y*" Last year and 
that y" Same wages be allowed this year as was y*^ last and that y" 
Colle(5lors adjust their accuts with y*^ Town Tresr by y" fifteenth of 
December next that all persons that have not been Duly warned 
to vvorke the Last year &: are Still behind in the payment of the 
Same be allowed to work out the Same this present year under v* 
direction of y*" present Surveyers provided they work out y'' Same 
by y'' 20 of may next and all Such as have over worked their Last 
years Tax be allowed \t Same out of y*^ present Tax. 

The Comitte for agreeing with y*" Leasors of y'" publick lands 
mad Report which was not accepted, attest Benj" Flagg, modr. 

* Second article: — "To give proper orders for providing a Schoolmaster 
for the vear Ensuinti." 



94 Early Records. [1748. 

memorandum of a Road Two Rod wide Layd out from mill- 
Stone hill Through Y Land of major Henchmans to y'^ Country 
Road beginning at a white oak tree being y*^ Corner of Said farm 
thence to a Elack oak on or about y'' Line then to a walnut Stak 
in y'' Line between mr John Ball and Said farm thence turning 
Southwest to a pine tree m.arked then to a walnut tree marked then 
to a Red oak marked then to a popler three marked then to a grate 
Rock near y'' Erow of the hill then to a Small Black oak m.arkt 
then to the grate Road afore mentioned provided the owners of the 
Land will give y'' Same for that use and y" Town are at no Charge 
for y'' Land. 

The above Road accepted by y*-' Joshua Biglo '\ Sekftincn 

Town with y^ above provisal Danil ward >- of 

James Boyd ) Worcester 

attest Benj* Flagg, modr. 



also a Road Laid out Two Rod wide from Thomas adams Line 
Through the land of mr John Ball begining at a walnut tree markt 
in Sd Balls land Then to y*^ Black oak tree marked above men- 
tioned y" two marks to be on y*-' East Side of y*^ way. 

march 5 : 174 7-8 Joshua Biglo ~) Selcflmen 

Danil ward >- of 
The above Road was accepted by James Boyd J Worcester 

y*" Town provided y"" owner of y*" 
land gives it for that use. attest Benjamin Flagg, modr. 



memorandum of a Road Layd out beginning at Leicester Line 
and Runing Through the land of David Earl the Line between mr 
Thomas Wheeler and Sd E^arl to be the North bounds of Said way 
till it Comes to y'' Corner of mr wheelors fence then turning North 
Easterly by a Small Chustnut marked and So Through y*" land of 
Thomas wheelor as tis marked by trees to y" land of James Tro- 
bridg and Through his land as marked to the Corner of his fence 
and then on his land the Line between David Young and Sd Tro- 
bridg to be y*' East bound of Said way till it Comes to a Chustnut 



1748.] Town of Worcester. 95 

tree marked in Sd line Then partly on Trobridg and partly on 
young till it meets the old Road Said way to be Two Rods wide. 
Worcester march 3 : 1747-8 ^ Joshua l>iglo \ Sclcclmen 

1 )anil ward > of 
The above Road was accepted James Boyd ) Worcester 

provided y*^ owners of y'' land 
give y*" Same for that use & the 
Town are at no Charg for y*" Same. atfs Benj'' Flagg, modr. 



a way laid out from Josejoh wileys to y'' Road leading by Cp'. 
moores begining at y*" house of Said wiley tt So Runing as y*" old wav 
is now trod till it Come to a Red oak tree marked and So by Sun- 
dry trees marked till it Coms to the aforesd old path and then to the 
Corner of y*" widow wallises fence y^ aforesd mark to be on y" west 
Side of y*^ way and then threw the land of y'" heirs of Judg Pallmer 
to y*' East bound of Sd way and then Through y'' land of Rubin 
moore till it Coms to y"" Lane by his Barn y'' Trees marked in 
moors land to be on y" west Side of y" way The way to be two 
Rod wide. 
Worcester march 5 : 1747-8 Joshua Biglo ") Selcflmen 

Danil ward >- of 
The above way was accepted by James PJoyd ) Worcester 

y*" Town provided the owners of y*^ 
land give it for that use and the 
Town are at no Charge for y*" Same afts Benjamin Flagg, modr. 



at a General Town meeting held at Worcester on monday v' 
fourth day of april i 748 upon Due warning given John Chandler 
Esq"" was Chosen modrator. atts Jonas Rice, T Clerk. 

Voted that y*" following Sums of money be granted vizt 

To adonjah Rice for Sawing 875 feet of plank 

To Danil Boyden for 330 feet of plank 

To mr Samuel moore for work posts & Rails 

To mr William Johnson for Sundries about ye meeting 

house & Schoole house 
To Cp Danil ward for taking ("are of ye meetinghouse 
To mr James Brown for Ringing ye Bell 



17 


6 





6 


5 


8 


7 


7 








S 






96 Early Records. [1748. 

To ye County Tax for ye Current year 3 lo 8 

To Constabel Hubbard for oslinds Rates ye year past 047 

To Constable Boyd for ye year 1746 for oslind 016 o 

To Constable Clerk for moses Bennits Rates for 1 745 017 i 

To Cpt James moore for plank 076 

To Cp Golding for his Expense going after mr Langdon o 10 o 

Voted that 19: 19: 91-2 be allowed to John Chandler 

Esqr Town Tresurer being a Diticiency as by his 19 19 9 1-2 
acrt for ye last year 

To Danil Biglo be allowed 30 s 2 being a Pole Tax 

for ye year past on actl of Sickness in his faniiley I 10 2 



The Comitte appointed to Setle ac6ls with John Chandler Esqr 
Town Tresurer mad Report which was accepted by which it ap- 
pears that he has payd four hundred forty one pound fourteen 
ShiUings & four pence Last Emission Bills of Creditt of which Sum 
he is Discharged & that there was out Standing in Constable Hub- 
bards hands ninety three pound Sixteen Shillings & two pence half 
peny which Sum the Sd Tresurer is further to account for when 
Received in. 

voted that major Heywood, major Rice & mr Samuel mower be 
a Comitte to view & make Report what part of y" publick land it 
may be necessary for the Town to Clear & Fence for the advantige 
of y* Rev'^ mr maccarty iS: Report thereon to y'' adjournment of 
this meeting that So y" Town may adt Thereon. 

Colin Chandler it others a Comitte appointed for procuring a 
Road of major Heywood for y*^ advantige of Coming at the minis- 
terial land by way of Exchanging Some of y*^ School land on y* 
East Side iTiill Brook Reported Verbely that they apprehended it 
would be of Service to make y*^ Exchang but as y'^ waters were 
very high they Could not See So as to Compleat y'' Bargin whear- 
upon it was voted that the Comite be fully Impowred to perfi6t Said 
Exchange of land in the best waj- they Can in which 3" Town will 
Indemnifye them and Rejjort thereon at y'' adjournment of this 
meeting. 

Voted that this meeting be adjourned to fryday y*^ Sixth day of 



1748.] Town of Worcester. 9.7 

may next at three a Clock afternoon to meet at y" meeting house 
then to further a6t on articles mentioned in y'' warrant. 

atts John Chantller, uiodr. 



at a General Town meeting held at Worcester y'' Sixth day of inav 
1748 by adjournment from y'' fourth day of april last past 

Voted that the Sum of ninety five pound Last Emission be 
Granted to be assessed agreeable to Law for y" Support of a School 
for providing hay & pasturing for the Rev*' m'' maccartys Crcaturs 
agreeable to former votes for the alterations & Repairs of y"^^ meet- 
ing house and for Such Town Charges as may arise the money to 
be Drawn out of the Town Tresury by orders from the Sele6tmen 
the account to be approved by the Town and that Said Sum with 
Such Sums as ha\-e heartofore been Granted for y'' afiliirs of y'' Cur- 
rent year Including the ministrs Sallary be made in one assess- 
ment and Collected and payd to the Town Tresurer one Third by 
the 25 of December & y'' Residue by y" first of march next. 

Collo Chandler from y" Comitte appointed to Treat with major 
Heywood for a Road to y* ministerial land adjoyning to Judg Jen- 
isons heirs Informed y'' Town that they had not agreed as was pro- 
posed by way of Exchanging Schoole land k€i whearupon the 
Town voted that the Same Comitte be disired to Treat with Said 
Heywood [for] a Road in tlie place proi)osed and to Ivxchange 
Sume of y'' ministeral land for the Same and to Report to the Town 
what they may apprehend best for the Town to doe at the next 
Town meeting. 

Major Heywood from y*^ Comitte appointed to take into Con- 
sideration & Report what part of y" ministreal land would be of ad- 
vantige to (^lear Reported whearupon the Town Came into y'' fol- 
lowing vote vizt that Said Comitte procure in y'' best way they Can 
& as Speedily as may be fifteen acres of ministreal land adjoyning 
lo Judge Jenisons heirs to be Efet!^uly Cleared and fenced and that 
the Trees growing Thereon be Cut into wood and y'' Comitte are 
directed to notifie people to work theron and those that work 
faithfully to be allowed Reasonable wages for the Same. 

The foregoing votes i)ast atts John Chandler, modr. 



98 Early Recoi^ds. [1748. 

at a Town meeting held at Worcester may Sixth 1 74S at Said 
meeting John Chandler Esqr was Chosen modr. 

atts Jonas Rice, T Cler. 

voted that the mens Seats in y^ Body of y*" meeting house be In- 
larged to y* womens Seats and that y*" Space between Judge Jen- 
isons heirs & Lieut Stearns pew be devided and added to their pews 
they Consenting & that y"" doors to these pews be made to Come 
out into the hind alley and that a man & a woman be placed in 
Each of these pews by y*-' Comitte for Seating y*^ meeting house 
and that all needed Repairs in y*" Gallarys & Seet in y" mens Gal- 
lary (S; a Seat for y*" Children be made in y*" Body before the Seats 
it was also voted that Good & Substential Steps be made at y"^ dores 
of y^ meeting house and y*" Comitte for Seating y"^ house are dis- 
ired to ElTect y'^ above things as Soon as may be at y'' Charge of 
y" Town. 

Voted that if proper persons appear to Said Comitte to Build a 
pew over the womens Stairs that Said Comitte allow of y" Same to 
be Regulated by them. 

Voted that the Schoole for this year be a moving School to be 
kept in y*" Town platt y'' Three winter months and Ten weeks in 
four places usually Called y'^ four Quarters vizt Ten weeks in Each 
Quarter It was also voted that mesurs Thomas Stearns, Sam- 
uel mower, Joshua Biglo, John Cirtise & Danil Boyden be a Com- 
itte to Determine what part of y'' Town Shall be Beamed the Town 
platt and also to affix the Limits or bounds of y^ four Quarters & 
fix a place to Erre(5t School houses on when y'' T6wn Shall vote to 
build them and Report their doings to y*^" Town at their next Town 
meeting for y® Towns allowence and that in y^ mean time y*" Quar- 
ters provide Sutable places as near as may be to y*" Center of y'' In- 
habitents whear y" School houses may be built to accomodate the 
Schollers. 

Voted that Colin Chandler, messurs Samuel mower, Joshua Big- 
lo, John Cirtise & Danil Boyden be a Comitte to provid a proper 
School master at y*^ Best terms they Can for y*" Current year. 
The above votes past 

attest John Chandler, modr. 



1 749-] Town of Worcester. 99 

at a General Town meeting held at Worcester on march Sixth 
1748-9 At Said meeting John Chandler Esq'' was' modrator. 

Jonas Rice, Town Cler. 

at Said meeting the following officers ware Chosen i'or y'' year 
Ensuing vizt 

John Chandler Escf. Benj'" Flagg Esci"". major Danil Heywood, 
(^p' John Chandler, 1 )econ Thomas wheelor, Selectmen ct assessors 

Jonas Rice Esq'. Town Clerk. 

John Chandler Es(l^ T Tresr. 

Isearil Jenison, Francis Herrington, Constables. 

John Chandler Jiir Esq''. James How, Absalom Rice, Benj'' Flagg 
Esq^ James Boyd, Josiah Holdin, Joshua Biglo, Elisha Smith &: 
Samuel mower wear Chosen Surveyrs of highways and Colle6lors 
of y" highway Tax [this] iS; were all of them Sworn to both offices. 

John Chaddick, Sealer of Lether. 

David Bancroft, Luke Brown, John Gates, Elbenezer Willington. 
fence viewers. 

Jacob Chamberlin, John Chandler Jur Es(]^ Tythingmen. 

Eliakem Rice, Elisha Smith Jur. Deer Reves. 

major Heywood, Cler of y" market. 

Danil Heywood Jur. adonijah Rice, Nathanil adams, Ezekiei 
How, Robert Gray, Stephen Sawin, Hog Reves. 

m'' Joshua Biglo was Chosen Grand Juryman for y"" year Ensu- 
ing. 

Voted that messrs Isreal Jenison, James moore, [ames Goodwin, 
James moore, \_sic\ Thomas Stearns «& Danil Boyden be a Comitte 
to provide a Suitable Schoole master for y'' year Ensuing agreeable 
to Law. 

the Selectmen made Report of Sundry Roads or ways by them 
laid out in y" Town an(i a Road at Tadnick hill to be Discontinued 
and a new one laid out in lieu thereof all which ware Received & 
accepted and y'' Road proi)osed to be Discontinued was accord- 
ingly Discontinued. 

The Reports are on file. 



lOO Early Records. [i749- 

Voted that mr Cirtise and Elisha Smith & Cp' ward be a Com- 
itte to Settle accuts with ^ 1'own Tresr & to Report unto^ y" Debt 
and Creditt meeting. 

Voted that y'' Town will give y*" Same Incourigment for Killing 
of woulves & Rattle Snaks as was voted y" Last year. 

The Comitte for Setting y*" meeting house m.ade Report of their 
doings which was Read and accepted by y" Town. 

a Petition of Elisha Smith Jur t*^ five others praying for Liberty 
to build a Lew in y"' meeting house in y*^^ mens Side Gallary on the 
back of y'^ Seats 

Voted that the Petition be So far Granted as that the Petitioners 
have Liberty to build a ptw in y'' place prayed for to Extend from 
the north Side of y'' house to y'' Second Post provided that in doing 
the Same they do net make y*" Seats before Said pew narrower then 
the Seats are in y" wom.ens Side Gallary before the pew there and 
if Said pew will hold more persons then the Petitioners & their 
wives that y*" Late Seators of the meeting house properly order the 
Gharge to be payd Equaly by those that Sit there and whtaras y'' 
Petitioners are Sceted already it was voted that as Soon as Said 
pew is finished that Said Seators fill their places with other persons. 

The Gomitte appointed to fix places for ErecSling School houses 
on in y*^ out Quarters of y'' Town made Report which was Read & 
accepted l*>: is on file It was also voted that Danil Hubbard be 
Dcanied one of Insign 1 arkers Row and that Said Row & Elisha 
Smiths Row So Galled be [paid] their part of y*^ Tax or money 
that may be yearly granted for Schooling So long as Said School 
houses when built Shall Stand provided they Expend Said money 
in Schooling their Ghildren to y'^ acceptence of the Town. 

Voted that Benjamin Flagg Eqr. be desired to Treat and agree 
with Gornelious waldo Esq'', for y'^ land Gonteined in the Road laid 
out on y" South Side his land to the ministerial land and Report 
thereon as Soon as may be. 

In answer to y*" Eighth article in )-''^ warrent Voted that the Sum 
of Seventy five pound in Bills of Greditt of y'' Last Emission be as- 
sessed on y'' Poles & Estates in this Town according to y'' Rules 
Sett in y'' Last Province Tax and as near to y* List of Polles &: 



1 749-] Town of Worcester. loi 

Estates taken the Last year as may be So that Justice be don and 
that y* Same be assessed in or before y" montli of april next and 
Lists thereof C'omitted to the Cgllectors now Chosen for that pur- 
pose with warrants for Collefting the ^ame that Said Sum be this 
year applyd towards makinpf Such Bredges as are nesessary and 
for Repairing Decayd ones & for puting all needful! Causeways & 
Roads into good Repair iv keei)ing them So within this Town and 
that y*" persons So Taxed have Liberty to work out F^ach one his 
Tax or assessment If they See Cause at y*^^ Rates >*>: prises voted in 
y'' year x 747 Jt i 74S & in that proportion and if any person or per- 
sons to be assessed as aforesd Shall negle6l or Refuse to work out 
his or their Tax having had Six days notice given him agreeable to 
Law that then he Shall pay his Tax in Bills of Creditt as aforesd 
to be Collected as other Town Taxes are by Collefcors and y*" 
money So Collecfted to be applyed to & for y" uses aforesd & for 
no other. 

That the Selectmen with a Justice of y'' peace Set forth to Each 
Surveyr his distri6l or Limits in v/hich he is to work agreeable to 
Law That Sd Collectors Com pleat their Collections and Settle 
their accounts theirof with y'' Town Tresurer or his Successor by 
the 25"" day of July next. 

It was further Voted that Such persons as have not payd all their 
highway Tax for y'' last year have Liberty to pay y'' Same in work 
this year provided they work out y*" Same before the 20"' of June 
next. 

Voted that this meeting l:)e adjourned to y'" iirst mondy in June 
next at one a Clock in y" afternoon. 

aftcsf John Chandler, modratr. 

We y^ Subscribers being appointed a Comitte to fix y*" Limits of 
the four Quarters of y*" Town & fix places to Eretl Schoolhouses 
on and make Return to this meeting have Taken y'' matter under 
Consideration & Report as follows vizt That y" place for y*^ School 
house in y'' East quarter be between Benjmin Flaggs Junr and 
mathias Stons and that the place for y'' School house in y*" west 
quarter be in y*" Crotch of y'' paths Between old mr Johnsons & his 



102 Early Records. [1749. 

Son Solomons and that y*" School house in 3'" South quarter be on 
y^ hill between nathanil moores Junr & william Elders near y^ Road 
in Case y*^ Town Shall think fit to Comply with the Request of a 
Small number of famileys in Ensign Parkers Row to allow them 
their own money in y*^' School Rate and that the School house in 
y'^ North quarter be placed near Lieut Fisks provided y*" Same 
Request be granted to a fue families in Elisha Smiths Row. 

Thomas Stearns ^ 
Worcester Febr y" 10: 1749. Sam" mower | 

Joshua Biglo \ Comitte 
Danil Boyden I 
John Cirtice J 

at y*" annual meeting in march 1748-9 this Report was Read & 
accepted & voted that Danil Hubbard be Counted one of Ensign 
Parkers Row. attest John Chandler, modr. 



The Subscribers have Layd out a lown way in Worcester Three 
Rods wide Comonly known & Called y*^ new Road land being left 
by y" Propriators of Said Town for y*^ Same begining at y*^ Corner 
of Lieut John Fisks fence by his Sider mill So by Fisks fence & 
Trees marked on y" northerly Side of Said Road untill it Extends 
to Dawsons Brook & over Sd Brook in y'' old foard way then by y* 
land of John Fisk Junr till it Extends to y" Road Leading to Rob- 
ert Barbers then turning Southrly by Barbers Road till it Extends 
over a Small Slough then turning westrly through the lanci of Cor- 
nelius waldo Esqr by marked trees on y" north Side of Sd Road till 
it Extends to y'^ land belonging to y'' heirs of major Danil Hench- 
man Dece^st and So by marked Trees on y*" northerly Side of Saide 
Road till it Extends to land of Joshua Heath Esq"', thence Run- 
ning through Said Heaths by the Dwelling house whear Joseph 
moore now Dwells untill it Extends to y" Lane Leading to the 
Dwelling house of Stephen Sawing. 

Danil Hevwood ^07-; 
at y annual meetmg ui m.arch Bcnj' r lagg [ r 

1748-9 y*^ above Return of y*" John Chandler Jur ( , / 
Road or way therein mentioned Thomas Stearns ^ 
was accepted \> the Town. 

a//s John Chandler, modr. 



1749-] Town of Worcester. 103 

a memorandum of Sundry Roads Laid out in Worcester by y'' 
Selectmen of Said Town in the year i 74S \izt a Road Leading 
from Joseph wileys into \'' Road tliat leads tVom y" meeting house 
to Holdin by the house of Lanclet pjivers begining at a white oake 
Tree marked on y^ South Side a Little Brook In y*" Land of Joseph 
wiley to another white oake Tree marked and from thence to a 
heep of Stones turning Round a Corner of Coll Meaths fence <S: 
from thence to a heep of Stons in an angle of y" fence and from 
thence to a heep of Stons on a Stumj) in y*" feild and from thence 
to y" north Corner of Said Heaths house in the occupation of James 
Hamilton and from thence to an appletree marked and from thence 
to a Stump with a heep of Stons on it in william m'tarlinds Land 
and from thence to a walnut tree marked and then by two Stumps 
marked and then to Run between Sd mTarlings house & tiarn & 
from thence to a white ocke Tree and from thence to a Black oake 
marked Crossing a Corner of Said Heaths Land and Running on 
y*^ Line between Danil Henchman Esq"" A Said Heath to a Chust- 
nut Tree marked near y" Trod Road to Joseph mores i.V- from thence 
Down y*^ Road to Lanclet Olivers aforesd partly as it [is] now Trod 
and by markt Trees y'' Road aforesd to ly on y'^ South or Southrly 
Side the marks & is two Rods wide. 

also we have Laid out a Road to accomodate Stephen Sawing 
as follows vizt to begin at y'' Southerly Side of a lide bridge South 
of his house as y*' Road is now trod Into y'' Six Road So Called 
three Rod wide. 

We are also of opinion that y* Road Layd out by the Sele6lmen 
y'' .Last year through y'' Land that now belongs to Richard Flagg 
& partly through David Youngs land till it Comes up to Deacon 
wheelors land to accomodate David Earl & Samuel Thomas ought 
to be Discontinued through Said Flaggs land & youngs aforesaid 
and we have accordingly Laid out and markt a Road in y" Room 
thereof begining at the most northerly Corner of Said Flaggs land 
that lyes on the Southrly Side the Road to ]')econ wheelors and 
on y*" line between Said Flagg & wheelor and from thence to Run 
on Said line by marked trees till it Interfears with the aforesd Road 
which we apprehend will best Suit y" persons Traviling therein & 



I04 Early Records. [i749- 

that it will [be] of Less Damige to y'^ owners of y^ land & less 
Charge in Clearing & makeing y^ Same Said Road to be two Rods 
wide and to lye on y*^ westerly Side Said marks in Said wheelors 
Land. 

We have also Laid out a Road through Gates or Bars through 
the Land of Uavid Earl to y" Easterly Corner of Samuel Thomas 
hnprovements Runing northerly or northEastery a Cross a Stoney 
liat peace of land to y'' Road by Said Earls. 

We have also Laid out a Road to accomodate y*" ministearial 
house Lot the house Lott of y*^^ heirs of Joshua Rice & Likewise 
Joseph Bill Vizt beginning on y^ line between Cornelus waldo of 
Boston Esq"" & mr Luke Browns land Just above Said waldos Saw- 
mill till it Coms to y- ministearial land aforesaid Said Road So far 
to Run in Said waldos land and thence Runing between y'^ land of 
Said waldo ct y*^ ministerial land aforesaid till it Comes to Said Rices 
heirs land Said Road from Browns land to lye in the ministeril land 
li: from thence to Run on y'' line between Said Rices heirs land & 
y" land of one walker till it Coms to a heep of Stons by a Post a 
litle north of an old Seller Said Road to lye in Said Rices heirs 
land from thence Turning & Runing to a heep of Stones in Said 
Bills fence y*' last mentioned angle in y*' Road not as to Deprive 
Said walker of y'^ head of a Spring of water between y* two last 
mentioned marks Said Road to be Two Rods wide. 

at y'' annual meeting in march John Chandler 

I 74S-9 the above A; foregoing Danil Heywood ") Selcfltnen 

Report of Sundry ways laid out Benj" Flagg V of 

was Read ts: accepted by y'' Town Thomas Stearns ) Worcester 

atts John Chandler modr. John Chandler Jur 



at a Town meeting held at Worcester on y*" 28"' day of may Reg- 
ulerly assembled John Chandler Esq"" was Chosen modrator. 

Aits Jonas Rice, T Cler. 

Voted that y*" following Sums in new Tenor bills of Creditt be 
granted & Payd Vizt. 



I 749-] 



Town of IVorcestcr. 105 



To Cpt ward for takiiifj Care of ye niietin,^ house £ i 5 

To mr James Brown for Ringing ye Bell 2 o 

To Cpt ward for keeping ye (]lezeirs & their horses 

& for bord 
To John mahon for work on ye meeting house 
To mr John Ball for Timber 
To noah Jones for 800 feet of Boards 
To John Chandler Esqr for Clapboards & Troughs 
To ye Comitte for Clearing ministearil land 31 days 

3 s 6 a day 
To Thomas Cowden part of his Pole Tax 
To Cpt Stearns for his Sons Pole Tax being Sickly 
To Cpt James moare for 22 Rattlesnaks Tails 
To major Heywood & mr John Chaddick for ye Ston 

Steps at the meeting house 
To Joshua Childs Third for his Tax ye last year 
To Benjmin Crosby for Tar 
for ye Suport of ye School 

To John Chandler Esqr to pay for mr maccartys Barn 
To Deacon Rice for his Sons Pole Tax for ye year 1 747 
Voted that ye Sum of 37 10 o be granted to ye Revd 

mr maccarty for his more Comfortable Suport for 

the year F2nsuing 
for ye County Tax that may be granted this year 
To John Chandler Esqr being ye balence of his 

accounts as Town Tresurer 34 17 21-2 






12 





I 


9 


9 





16 


6 


2 


10, 





I 


8 


6 


5 


8 


6 





9 


8 


I 


14 


9 





II 





5 











'7 


4 





3 





75 








II 








I 


15 





37 


10 





8 









192 8 21-2 



voted that y" aforegoing Sums together with y^ annual Sallary of 
the Rev'" mr macckcty of one hundred pound making in y" whole 
Two hundred ninety Two pound Eight Shillings & Two pence half 
peny be made in one Tax that half thereof be payd by the 25 day 
of next Decembr and the other half by the first day of march next 
to y*" Tow[n] Tresurer to he by him paid to whome it is due. 

The Comitte appointed to Setde accuts with Coll Chandler Town 
Tresur made Report by which it appears y'" Town are Intlebted to 
him Thirty four pound Seventeen Shillings & Two pence half peny 
which was accepted of by y'' Town. 

In answer to y" Petition of Thomas x\dames voted that he Iiave 
Liberty to build a pew between the late Judge Jenisons pew & 



io6 Early Records. [1749. 

Leiut Stearnses Pew he altring the Dores in those pews properly & 
taking in with him a man with his wife Sucli as y*" Comitte for 
Seeting the meeting house Shall appoint. 

Voted [that] major Rice, m'' Samuel mower, Deacon wheelor, 
Benjamin Flagg, John Chandler Junr Esqrs be a Comitte to In- 
quire into and Remove all Incumbrences on the Roads & wavs in 
y* Town. 

Voted that the Comitte formerly appointed for Clearing y*" min- 
isteriall Land proceed therin & that the fifteen acres proposed to be 
Cleared be Effectually Cleared lc fenced & that y*^ Comitte Lett it 
out by the Great to Some proper Persons paying them in money 
or the wood lV Timbor growing thereon or by Imploying persons 
at day Labour as they Shall Judge most for the Towns Litrest. 

voted that the Sum of Thirty Eight Shillings be Granted and 
Raised with y*" Sums afore granted iS; that y'^^ Selectmen Equetably 
adjust the affair of pasturing mr maccartys horse A: Cow between 
Cp' ward & Lieut Stearns. 

voted that Coll Chandler at y" Charge of y*" Town fence y" front 
of mr maccartys Lott by his house & his Gardin with boards prop- 
erly and that he Paint y'' out Side of y" house & lay his accut 
before y" Town for payment. 

voted that m'' Joshua Biglo, Cp' moore, mr John Curtice, m' 
Jonas Brown & mr Boyde be a Comitte to Consider of y'' proposall 
of Palmer Golding for a house Lott of y*" ministerial land & also a 
proposall of John Chandler Junr lilsq'' for Leasing all or part of y*" 
public land near his house & if they think it best for y*^ Town to 
Comply with Either or both of Said proposals that then they Dis- 
course [with] y" Rev'' mr maccarty thereon and if his Leave may 
l>e obtained that they Report to y" Town at y" adjournment of this 
meeting what they think proper for y'' Town to doe thereon. 

voted that this meeting be adjourned to this place to the last 
monday of this month to four a Clock afternoon. 

atts John Chandler, modr. 

att a Town meeting held at Worcester may may 29 : 1749 by 
adjournment from y*^ 8"' of this Listent may by y*^ Qualified voters. 



1 749-] 



Town of Worcester. 



107 



Voted that there be allowed to James Trobridge for 

plank for half way River Bridg i 8 6 

To Cpt James moore for Two Rattle Snaks Tails o i o 

To Coll Chandler to pay ye Revd mr Frink for preching 200 
that ye Sum of five pound be allowed & Raised for 

paying ye assessors for taking ye Valluation agreeable 500 
to Law 

and that Said Sum be assessed with ye money formerly 

Granted 896 



new Tenor 

m'' Joshua Biglo & y'^ Comitte appointed on y'^ motion of Pal- 
mer Golding J unr & John Chandler Junr Esq' made Report which 
was Read. 

Voted that John Chandler Esq"'. Messrs John Curtice, Israel 
Jenison, James Brown & Do6lr Breck be a Comitte finally to Sede 
y° Leases with y'^ Leesees of y" Publick land & See that they fulfill 
y* Same and y*^ Said Comitte are Effeclualy to Repair y*" old Barn 
on y*" Parsonage land & See that there be a Suitable Barn floore & 
floors for y" Stable & Cow house That they make proper Inside 
fenses on y'' Parsonage Land as they think proper & that y*" whole 
be put into good Repair for y*^ Service of y" Revd mr maccartv 
agreeable to y'' originall design of y" Town & lay their accounts be- 
fore y" Town for payment. 

Voted that mr Palmer Golding Junr have Liberty to Purchise 
half an acre of y" Towns land Easte of y ' Lott of mr Fessendon t^ 
north of Cp' wards land .t that Messrs Samuel mower, James Boyd 
& John Curtice^be a Comitte to view lay out & Report their opin- 
ion to y" next Town meeting what may be further proper for v' 
Town to do hearon. 

Voted that major Danil Heywood, John Chandler Junr Esqr and 
Cpt Danil ward be a Comitte at y" Charge of y" Town to Settle y'' 
Lines of y" Publick lands adjoyning to Mesrs Harper cK: william 
mahan cv: others and that they fence in y*^ Cleard part thereof ^t 
Such a part thereof as may be Servisable and Clear it for y"' Benefite 
of mr maccarty & lay their accout before y'' Town for payment. 
The foregoing votes past 

attst John Chandler, modr. 



io8 Early Records. [i750- 

at a Town meeting meeting of y*^ Inhabitents of Worcester Qual- 
ified to vote in Town affairs Regulerly assembled o6lober 31:1 749 
upon due warning given 

At Sd meeting Coll Chandler was Chosen mdr. 

atts Jonas Rice, T Clerk. 

voted that y^ following Sums In new Tenor Bills of Creditt be 
granted & payd vizt 

To Compleat ye County Tax for ye Current year /" 5 78 
To John Chandler & ye Rest of ye Comitte for fencing 

in ye Publick land near ye meetinghouse 10 12 6 

To Joshua Biglo for work don on mr maccartys barn 200 
To John Chandler Esqr for Seven Ratle Snak Tails he 

payd Samll Thomas for 036 

voted that a further Sum of 25 / be granted to pay ^ 
John Chandler Junr for mending ye meeting house 
Glass plank & nails &c 7 7 3 part thereof & the Re- 1 
mainder to John Chandler Esqr to pay for Boards | 25 o o 
by him bought for fencing in mr maccartys Gardin 
& front fence & for ye workmen & for Glazing ye J 
Schools &c 

held account for ye Same 

;^43 3 8 

Total forty three pounds three & Eightpence 

voted that the foregoing Sum together with the Sums heartofore 
Granted by y" Town be Leveyd & assessed in y*" Same way & man- 
er & payd y"" Same time as money Granted the Eighth day of may 
last and all put into one assessment and if there be any Surplusige 
in any of Said Sums the Same to Remain in y'' Tresury. 

voted that Deacon wheelor be desired as Soon as may be to 
Ere6l a Suetable Gate at y'' Burying place. the aforesaid votes 

past. attest John Chandler, modrator. 



att a General Town meeting held at Worcester march 6 : i 749- 
50 Regulerly assembled John Chandler Esqr was Chosen modr. 

Attest Jonas Rice, Town Clerk. 

att Said meeting the following officers ware Chosen for y* year 
Ensuing and ware all Sworn in y" meeting vizt. 



I750-] Toivn of Worcester. 109 

John Chandler Esqr. IJenjamcn Flagg Escp-. major Danil Hey- 
wood, mr Thomas wheelor, John Chandler Jur. Esq. Sele6tmen 
and assessors. 

Jonas Rice Esq'". Town Cler. 

John Chandler Esq''. Town Tresurer. 

absalom Rice, James Brown, Constables. 

Major Danil Heywood, Ezekiell How, Tyrus Rice, John Curtis. 
James Boyd, Danil Boyden, James Goodwin, Joshua Child Jur. 
Samuel mower ware Chosen Surveyrs of highways & Colle6lors of 
y* highway Tax & Sworn to both offices. 

John Chaddick, Sealer of Leather. 

David Bancroft, Luke Brown, James Boyd, Ebenezer willington. 
Fence viewrs. 

Major Heywood, Cler of y*^ markit. 

James Boyd t*c asa moore, Tythingmen. 

Eliakem Rice, Ebenezer Flagg, Deer Reves. 

David Bancroft, Elikim Rice, George Cuting, Josiah Paine. 
Enoch Cook, James maccfarland. Hog Reves. 

m*" John Ball was Chosen Grand Juryman for y"^ year Ensuing. 

Voted that Messurs Israel Jenison, James moore, James Good- 
win, Thomas Stearns ami 1 )anil Boyden be a Comitte to provide a 
Suitable School master for y'' year Ensuing agreeable to Law. 

The Selectmen made Return of Sundry Roads or ways liy them 
laid out in the Town vizt one Road at Bogachoage one- Road 
Leading to & from Robert Grays & one through Cap' moors land 
all which ware Read accepted allowed and approved of by y*' Town 
and ordered to be Recorded. 

Voted that major Rice, mesrs John Curtise ..^' James Boyd be a 
Comitte to Settle accuts with y'" Town Tresur & to make Report 
at y"" Debtt & Creditt meeting. 

The fifth article in y'' warrant Relating to the Pews in which 
Lately Set Lieut Thomas Stearns & familey & madam Jenison and 
others being fully dabated the Town Come into the following vote 
vizt in as much as Leiut Thomas Stearns, william Johnson & Luke 
Brown in y" meeting manifested their desire of Sitting in y" pews 
they lately Set in — 



no Early Records, [^750- 

Voted that the pew in which Said Stearns & familey lately Set be- 
hind the mens Seats be Granted to & for Said Stearns & familey 
to Sit in they So doing. 

also Voted that the Pew in which madam Jenison together with 
vvilliam Johnson and Luke Brown & their famileys latley Sat behind 
y'' wimens Seats be Granted to & for them & their familys to Sit in 
they So doing and that Thomas Adams agreeable to y" vote & de- 
sign of y'^ Town in april last alter y*^ Doors in Said pews & make 
them in Such place as the Said persons Shall appoint in y'' hind 
alley if they See Cause to Dire6l therein otherwise that they be 
properly altered. 

Voted that y*^ Town will Continue y'-' Incourigment for Killing of 
wolves & Rattle Snaks as was Last Granted. 

Voted that Deacon wheelor, Leiut Thomas Stearns & m' John 
Curtise be a Comitte to discourse with y" Rev*^ m'' maccarty on y'-' 
Lighth article in y*" warrant & also to view y'* land proposed hear- 
tofore to be Cleared for his Service & to Report at y*^ next meeting 
what they may think best to be don both for y*" Town as also for m'' 
maccarty that So he may Reap y*^ advantige & benifit first proposed. 

Voted that the Sele6lmen or y*^ major part of them Grant leave 
to Such persons as are desirous of building Stabls near the meeting 
house to Shelter their horses on Sundays & appoint y*" perticuler 
places for Eredling y'' Same. 

In answer to y"" Seventh article in y*^ warrant Voted that the Sum 
(jf Two hundred A: fifty pound in Bills of Creditt of the Last Emis- 
sion be assessed on y*" Polls & Estates in this Town according to 
y" Ruls Set in y*" Last Province Tax & as near y" List of Poles <.V 
Estats taken the last year as may be So that Justice be done and 
that y'^ Same be assessed in y*" month of april next and Lists there- 
of Comitted to The Collectors now Chosen for that purpose with 
warrants to Collect the Same That the Said Sum be this year ap- 
plyed Towards makeing Such Bridges as are necessary and for Re- 
pairing decayed ons and for puting all needfull Causeways & Roads 
into good Repair (Iv; keeping them So within y*" Town and that the 
persons So Taxed have Liberty to work out Each one his Tax or 
assessment if they See Cause at y'' following Rats & prices vizt — 



I750-] Tow7i of Worcester. iij 

for a man Seven Shillings \) day and in that proportion for a long- 
er or Shorter time provided they work faithfully & find themselves 
and if any person or persons to. be assessed as aforesd Shall ne- 
glect or Refuse to work out his or their Tax having had Six days 
notice given him agreeable to Law that then he Shall pay his Tax 
in Bills of Creditt as aforesaid or other Specie Ecjuil thereto to be 
Collected as other Town Taxes are by the Collectors t^ y'' money 
So Collected to be applyed to and for y*" use aforesaid & for no 
other Said Collectors to Compleat their Collections and Setle 
accuts with y*^ Town Tresurer by the Fifteenth day of Decembor 
next and that y'^ Selectmen with a Justice of y*" peace Set forth to 
Each Surveyer his District in which he is to work agreeable to Law. 

atts John Chandler, modr. 

Worcester, march 5"' : 1749-50 The Return of a Road laid out 
to accomodate Robert Gray, Jacob Hemingwy & others to be al- 
lowed of by y^ Town at y'' annual meeting this day vizt to begin 
at y'^ westrely Bounds of andrew maccfarlinds land adjoyning to 
land that asa moore now owns at \'" Corner next Major Heywoods 
land & from thence to Extend Eastward between Sd Heywoods e\: 
maccfarlinds till it Coms to their Easterly Bounds Joyning to Rob- 
ert Grays land this way to this place to be Two parch wide & to 
Come Equally out of their land there then to Extend Southward 
Two parch wide half out of Heywoods & half out of Grays land till 
it Coms to a white oake Tree by y'' northrly Side a Trod way it 
Thence Extend Eastrly as y* way is Trod Through Sd Grays land 
Two parch wide till it Coms to land of Leiut Thomas Stearns then 
Eastward Through his land as y'' way is Trod till it Comes near 
prospect Brook there leving y"" Trod Road Southrly il" to Cross y" 
Brook So as to Come into y'' way leading from John Chandler Junrs 
Saw mill at or near y*" Root of a great Tree blown down whear y'' 
Road has a Turn Eastward Coming to the meeting house to be 
Two parch wide also from Sd Hemingys northrly Corner we pro- 
pose a way of Two parch wide through Said Grays land to bring 
Sd Himingy into y*' first Road all parties Consenting i\: giving y*" 
land Except Leiut Stearns. . John Chandler 

Benj" Flagg '\ Scleflmen 

Danil Heyvvood >• of 
Thorn wheelor ) Worcester 
John Chandler Jur 



112 Early Records. [i750- 

att y* annual Town meeting in Worcester march t^^ : 1749-50 
the above Return of y'' Roads or ways therein mentioned ware 
Read accepted allowed & aproved of & voted to be Recorded. 

atts John Chandler, modr. 



Memorandom of a Road Laid out to accomodate Joseph wiley 
ic begining East of Cap' James moors Cyder mill Runing up hill 
between the Two Roes of apple trees untill it gits above y'' fence & 
then turning a little Eastrly & So as to Run up the hill turning So 
as Shall best accomodate y'^ Road tell it Corns to y*" house wheat 
Rubin moore Latley Dwelt & whear was a few years Sence a Road 
laid out from thence to Said wileys house all which is Submitted 
by us Said Road to be Two Rods wide. 

John Chandler 

I y" Subscriber owner of y*^ land Thomas wheelor ~^ Sclcflmen 
whear y*" above Road is Laid out Danil He3'wood >- of 
to accomodate my Neighbour wiley John Chandler J unr J Worcester 
hearby freely Consent Said Road Benj'' Flagg 
Should Run as above mentioned 
& I freely give y*" land as witness 
my hand James moore. 

att y*^^ annual Town meeting in Worcester march 5 : 1749-50 the 
above Return of y*^ Road or way therein mentioned was Read ac- 
cepted & approved of and voted to be Recorded. 

atts John Chandler, modr. 



Worcester march 5 : 1749-50 The Return of a Road laid out 
to accomodate Danil Boyden & David Bancroft & begining at Sut- 
ton Line at y'^ north East Corner of Charles Richardsons land and 
Runs northrly about fifteen Rods Through land of Danil Boyden 
till it Striks y" land of Joshua Bancroft and from thence Runing on 
y'' line between Said Joshua Bancroft and Danil Boyden & in Said 
Boydens land till it Comes to y'' land of David Bancroft and then 
it Runs Through y'" land of David Bancroft on y*" line between Said 
Joshua and David Bancroft to a Ledge of Rocks and from thence 
Runins: as the Ledee Runs till it Coms to David Bancrofts north 



1750.] 



Town of Worcester. \ 1 3 



line iN: from thence Runing nigh y" Trod Road to a Chestnut tree 
near Leiut Rices fence ^fc from thence Runing to a heep of Stons 
in Leiut Rices land iv from thence to y'' South Ivist C'orner of Danil 
Boyden (S: from thence on Danil Hoydens Line to John Loydens 
and from thence on John Boydens Line to y'' Country Road the 
Road to lye on y'' Lastrly Side of marks [ ] fence and is to l)e one 
Rod & a half wide Exepting a Cross a Spring whear it is to l)e one 
Rod wide all parties Consented & giving y" land. 

John Chandler 
att y'' annual down meeting Benj Flagg ") Siicflmen 

march 5 : 1749-50 y^ above Re- Danil Heywood \ of 
turn of y" Road or way therein Thomas wheelor ) ^vorcester 
mentioned was accepted allowed John Chandler Jun 
.t approved of & voted to be 
Recorded atfs John Chandler, modr. 



at a General Town meeting held at Worcester may 4 : 1750 at 
Sd meeting John Chandler Esq"" was Chosen modrator. 

aits Jonas Rice T Cler. 

Voted that y'' following Sums in Lawfull money be granted to y'' 
following Persons and for y*" following purposes, vizt 

To Cpt Danil ward for taking Care of ye meeting house 

To John Chandler Esqr for mending Glass nails & hinges &c I 

To John Fisk for 233 feet of plank 

To mr James Brown for Ringing ye Bell 

To Cpt moore 17 Rattle Snaks 

To Danil Hubberd 2 Ditto 

To Robert Barber for 200 of plank 

To willm Johnson for hinges for ye Stocks &c 

To John Chandler Esqr for work 7s 6 & 20s to Compleat 

fencing School land 
To Samuel Eaton for a day work 
Jonathen Lynd for 125 Rails for School land 
To Ensign Flagg administrator on Jotham Stearns his 

Estate his Taxes abated 
For ye Suport of the School 
For ye Quarters Called Parkers & Smiths Quarters for 

Schooling to be payd as ye Selecflmen Shall Diretfl 

in proportion to what their pay will draw Six pound 

if an overplus to Lye for further order 



I 










C I 


9 


4 






I 


9 

I 


4 
4 







4 


61 


-2 








61 


-2 





8 










8 







I 


7 


6 







3 


61 


-2 





•3 


4 




I 


5 


81 


-2 


40 


10 


8 





114 Early Recoj'ds. [i750- 

To ye Town Tresurer to Discharge Joshua Biglos & Sons 

Taxes more then ye Town & him for work for ye last year 2 8 21-2 

and ye Sum of 40 s to be applyed by ye Selectmen 
for Building a Bridg over ye Brook whear Jacob 
Hohnses dam latly Stood 200 

also Ten pound to be applyd by ye Selectmen for 
Claboarding ye South Side of ye meeting house 
& for other Contingent Charges 10 o o 

To John Chandler Esqr Town Tresr ye Ballence of 

his accut 3 3 11 1-2 

To Gardner Chandler o 1 1 4 

It was also voted that ye Sallary of ye Revd mr mac- 
carty this year be Eighty pound LawfuU money 

all 152 18 II 

voted that y" aforegoing Sums amounting to the Sum of one hun- 
dred fifty Two pound Eighteen ShilUngs & Eleven pence be as- 
sessed & levied agreeable to law & payd in to y*" Town Tresurer 
one half by y*^ 25"' of Decembr next & y*^ other half by y*^ first of 
march next and by y*^ Tresurer payd to whome it is due. 

voted that Revd mr maccarty have Liberty to Improve a Small 
peace of publick land East of mr Bucknams & north of Cap' wards 
latly Improvd by Sd ward till y'' further order of y*^ Town. 

The Comittee appointed to Settle accuts with John Chandler 
Esq'' Town Tresurer made Report that he has payd three pound 
three ShiUings & Eleven pence new Tenor more then y" Taxes of 
y*^ last year and there is also outstanding of these Taxes in Con- 
stable Jenisons hands Twenty one pound Seven Shillings cV; Ten 
pence halfpeny and in Constable Heringtons hands fifty one pound 
fourteen Shillings <S: Ten pence Three farthings So that he is in 
advance ^ 76 6 S|but as outstanding Taxes are dayly Receiving 
in Sd Comitte Report the Ballence in his favour but three pound 
three Shillings and Eleven pence three farthings which was accepted 
of by y*^ Town. 

Voted that y'' Selectmen new Clapbord y'" South Side of y*" meet- 
ing house at y^ Charge of y'^ Town by directing proper workmen 
to accomplish the Same. 

Voted that y*" late Seators give Tickitts to Such People who have 
not taken their Seats properly according to y'' last Seating diredting 



I750-] Town of Worcester. 115 

them to Sit vvhear they ought to prevent Disorder and fill up prop- 
erly any Pews latley built according to y"" Design of y'' Town in 
making the Grants.* 

Voted that John Chandler Junr Esq' take Care that the minis- 
teriall medow tv: School land adjoyning be Cleared after y*" best 
maner i\: as Soon as may be & lay y"^ Charge thereof before y'' Town, 
for pa\ ment. 

the aforegoing vots pased at Sd meeting 

alts John Chandler, modr. 



at a General Town meeting held at Worcester octobr 2 : 1750 
John Chandler Esq"' was Chosen modr. 

ats Jonas Rice, T Cler. 
voted that the following Sums be Granted in LawfuU money vizt 

the Sum of Six pound Twelve Shillings to pay the 

County Tax for ye present year 612 o 

for mending ye Seats in ye meeting house o 10 o 

To John Chandler Esqr for painting mr maccartys 

house & fence 600 

To pay for or towards Clearing ye ministerial medow 
and School Land adjoyning & Stubing & Sowing 
the Same with fowl medow grass Seed 6 

and John Chandler Junr Elsq"" is desired to See y*^ Same Efe6ted 
& to transmitt his accounts to y'^^ Town. 

Voted that the aforesd Sums being nineteen pound Two Shill- 
ings be assessed with the Sums granted the 4"' of may Last in one 
Tax or assessment the whole to be payd at the tims mentioned in 
y^ Grant aforesd. 

voted that y'' Selectmen be desired at the Charge of the Town 
to take all needful Care according to their best Judgment of y* 
widow of J(jtham Stearns. 

at y'' Sd meeting y^' aforegoing vots past 

affs John Chandler, modr. 

* Extract from the Warrant : — "For ye Town to Come into Some method 
that People may Sit in ye Seats assigned to prevent Disorders & that they 
dont put themselves too forward." 



1 1 6 Early Records. [ 1 7 5 1 • 

att a General Town meeting held at Worcester march 4 : 1 750-1 
for y*^ Choice of Town officers for the year Ensuing at Sd meeting 
John Chandler Escf was Chosen modr. 

atts Jonas Rice, T Clerk. 

att Said meeting y*" following persons were Duly Chosen Town 
officers & Sworn vizt 

John Chandler Esq''. Benj'' Flagg Esq'', major Danil Heywood, 
m'' Thomas wheelor, John Chandler Jur EsqJ. Sele6tmen & ware 
Sworn assessors. 

Jonas Rice Esq^ Town Clerk. 

John Chandler Esq^ Town Tresurer. 

Noah Jones & Sam" Eaton, Constables; 

John Chaddick, Sealor of Leather. 
. major Heywood, Clerk of y'' markett & also viewer of boards 
Shingls & Claboards & Sworn to both. 

Major Heywood, Josiah Peeres [ ?] Nath" moore Jur. Eben^ Will- 
ington, James Boyd, Danil Boyden, Frances Herington, Isaac Gle- 
son, Sam" mower and Joseph -Clerk ware Chosen Surveyors of 
Highways & Collecters of Highway Taxes. 

David Bancroft & Benj'^ Flagg Jun. fence viewrs. 
■ John Chaddick & Robert Barber, Tythingmen. 

John Boyden & Jonas ward, Deer Reves. 

Cyrus Rice & Phineas ward, James Hambleton, Benj'' Crosby, 
asa moore & Danil wheelor, hog Reves. 

all y'' above officers were Sworn in the meeting by John Chand- 
ler Esq^ & Jonas Rice Esq^ 

mr James Goodwin Chosen Grand Juryman. 

Voted that Cp Israel Jenison, James Goodwin, Thomas Stearns, 
James moore & Danil Boyden be a Comitte to provide a Suitable 
Schoolmaster for y*^ year Ensuing according to Law and y*^ Schoole 
be kept as it was the last year in y* five parts or Quarters of y'' 
Town. 

The Sele61men made Return of a highway Layd out at y*" Desire 
of Ebenezer Flagg in Lue of one formerly Layd out which was ac- 
cepted & approved of by the Town. 

Voted that Jonas Rice Esq''. Cp' Flagg & major Heywood be a 
Comitte to Setle accuts with y"^ Town Tresr & Report at y'' next 
Town meetin"-. 



1 75 I'] Town of Worcester. 117 

Voted that y" Bounty or Incourigment for Killing of woolves and 
Rattlesnaks be Continued for one year & to be as heartofore. 

In answer to y'' Sixth article in y" warrant 
voted that the Sum of one hundred iv: fifty pound Lawfull money 
be assessed on y*" Poles & p]states in this Town according to y'' 
Ruls Set in y'' Last Province Tax act (S: as near y" List of Poles 
& Estates taken y^ last year as may be So that Justice be don 
that y*^ assessment be made in or before y*" month of april next &: 
Lists Comitted to the Collectors Chosen for that purpose with war- 
rants to Colecl y*" Same that Said Sum be this year applyd towards 
making Such Bridges as are necessary iJv: for Repairing of Decayd 
ones & for puting all needful Causways iS: Roads into good Repair 
& keeping them So within this Town and that y*" persons So Taxed 
have Liberty to work out Each one his Respe6tive assessment if 
they See Cause at y" following prices namly for a man four Shill- 
ings a yoak of oxen Two Shillings a Cart one Shilling '^ day and 
in that proportion for a Longer or Shorter time provided they work 
faithfully and find themselves and if any person or persons assess- 
ed as aforesd Shall negle(5l or Refuse to work out his or their as- 
sessment having had Six days notice given him or them agreeable 
to Law that Shall pay his or their Tax in Lawfull money to be Col 
le6led as other Town Taxes are by the Colleftors & y'' money So 
Colle6led to be applyed too A for the purposes aforesaid & for no 
other that the Colle6lors Compleat their Colle6lions & Setle ac- 
counts with the Town Tresurer or his Successor by y'' 25 day of 
December next that y" Sele6lmen with a Justice of peace Set 
forth to Each Surveyr his Distri6l or Limits in which he is to work 
agreeable to Law and alter y" Same as need Shall Rec^uire. 

It was also voted that Such persons as have not payd their high- 
way Tax for y'^ Last year have Liberty to pay the Same in work 
this year provided they doe y'' Same by y'' first day of June next. 

Voted that y*^ Sele6lmen be a Comitte to Consider of y'' Petition 
of Cp' Thomas Stearns prefered to y'' Court of General Sessions of 
y^ [Peace] in Febry last Relating to a highway layd out through 
his land as mentioned in y'' Petition & Report their opinion to y' 
adjournment of this meeting what may be proper for y*" Town to 
doe therein. 



1 1 8 Early Records. [ 1 75 1 . 

Voted that Msrs John Ball, John Curtise & James Boyd be a 
Comitte in behalf ot y'' Town to Joyn with a Comitte of the Pro- 
priators of y'' Comon i.\; undivided land of this Town to Sell for a 
Reasonable price to John Chandler Jur Esq'" the Land lying South 
of his house Lott as mentioned in his Petition If it appear to them 
the Town have a Real or Seeming Right to y'^ Same and that y* 
money arising by Such Sale if any be, be payd into y** Town Tres- 
ury to ly for y"^ further order of y*^ Town. 

Voted that Major Rice, Cp' ward & Deacon Wheelor be a Com- 
itte to take into Consideration y*' Petition of Edward Knight & 
others Relating to y^' fixing a School house place in y*" Room of 
that heartofore fixed in y*" Quarter the Petitioners Live in & Report 
their opinion what is best to be don to the adjournment of this 
meeting. 

Voted that y*" accutt of Cyrus Rice for keeping y" wife of John 
Ricky (S: Children & for Careying wood to her & y'^ wife of James 
Biglo being Sixteen Shillings be payd out of y* Town Tresury 

and then y*" meeting was adjourned by vote to this place to 
mondy the 13 of may next at Two a Clock afternoon. 
The aforegoing votes all past 

atts John Chandler, modrator. 

We the Sele6tmen at y'^' desire of Ebenezer Flagg of Worcester 
have viewed a Road which has for Some time been going Through 
y*^ Land of Ebenezer Flagg in which he desirs may be Confirmed 
in Stead of one going through his Land laid out formerly and we 
are of opinion it will greatly Serve y'' publick to have y*" Road to 
be & Remain as follows to begin fifteen Rod Eastward or north 
Eastward of y" Clay pitts to Extend Southrl}- or Southwestrly till it 
meets with his westrly bound of y'" land he Bought of Jonas ward 
& is also the Eastern bounds of Land of James Whitney which he 
Bought of Samuell Jenison the fence as it now Stands on y*" westrly 
Side to be y*" bounds of y'' Road & to be Two pearch wide and 
whare this way Coms to Said W hitncys Land there to bare more 
Southerly taking y*^ advantige of y' hill for y'' Benifitt of y* way & 
t.o Extend till it meets Brigadier \A aides Land and to y* Road for- 
merly Layd out and that this Road be in Luie of y*" Road formerly 



I75I-] 



Town of Worcester. 



I id) 



Layd Through his Land more westrly which we are of opinion 
Should be Discontinued. 

Worcester Febrv 20 



1750 



Worcester march 4 : i 750-1 

this Road i.*c altration was ac- 
cepted at the annual meeting. 
ats John Chandler, modr 



John 

Benj'' 

LC- Danil 

Thom 


Chandler 
Flagg ^ 
Heywood \ 
wheelor ) 


SeleHmen 

of 
Worcester 


John ' 


Chandler Jur 





Worcester april 17 : 1751 
To y* Sele6lmen of Leicestor 

Gentl'" we Desire youe by your Selves or Such 
Persons as you Shall appoint [to] meet us or Such Persons as we 
Shall appoint at y*^ Southwest Corner of Worcester i^' Corner 

of Leicestor to Preambulate the line of y*' Towns on monday y** 29 
day of april Instent at nine of y" Clock in y'^ forenoon. 

Benj'' Flagg ") Seleclme7i 

Danil Heywood >- of 
John Chandler Jur ) 7oorcester 

at a meeting of y^ Sele6lmen of Leicestor Subscribers april 23 ; 
1 75 1 did then appoint Cp' Danil Denney, mr Stewart Southgate 
and Thomas Denney to meet the Selectmen of Worcester or Such 
as they Shall appoint at y*^ Southwest Corner of Worcester and y" 
Southeast Corner of Leicester to Preambulate and Renew y'' Bounds 
between y^ Towns agreeable to a notification under y'' hands of the 
Sele6lmen of Worcester bearing Date april 17: 1 75 1 . 

John whittmore -v Sclcffmen 
Benj'' Tucker [ of 
Danil Denney ^ Leicester 

We y" Subscribers Selectmen of y" Town of worcestor and per- 
sons appointed by y" Selectmen of y° Town of Leicestor persuant 
at a notification from the Selectmen of Worcester aforesaid have 
this day mett at y*" Southwest Corner of Worcester tv: y*^ Southeast 
Corner of Leicester being a heep of Stones at y" Root of a Hem- 
lock tree blown down In a Swamp and then it there by mutule 
agreement Renewed y*^ Said Corner and from thence Perambulated 
& Renewed a Line ('ailed Wards Line being y" Line or Roundry 



i 20 Early Records. [ 1 75 ^ ■ 

between Said Towns So far northward as Worcester Line Extends 
where we Renewed a heep of Stones about an oak Stump at )' 
northwest Corner of Isaac moores Land. 

Worcester april 29 : 1751 Uanil Heywood ) Seleflmen 

Thomas wheeler y oj 



John Chandler Junr ) Worcester 

Danil Denney ^ perso7is ap- 
Stewart Southgate \ poinied by y'-' 
Thomas Denney \ SeleHmen 
I of 

j Leicester 



at a General Town meeting held at Worcester may 13 : 1751 
at Said meeting John Chandler Esq'' was Chosen modr. 

Ats Jonas Rice, T Clerk, 
voted that y'^ following Sums in lawfuU money be Granted to & 
for the following purposes vizt 

To Leiut Tyrus Rice for plank &c 0120 

To Cpt James moore for horse hire for ye Schoolmaster 054 
To Jacob Hemingway for 55 feet of plank 022 

To Thomas Rice for 1 7 Rattle Snaks 054 

To John Chandler Esqr for 15 Tails 4 s and for Joseph 

Dyers Pole Tax 939 0139 

To Samll Thomas for 10 Tails 028 

To Joseph Clerk for 410 feet for Bredges by Trobridges 5 s 41 I 8 
To nathll moore Jur for 250 feet of plank 013 4 

To Cpt Jenisons for Joseph Clerk Junr & John Rickeys 

Rates for 1749 211 

to Cpt ward for Sweeping & taking Care of the meeting 

house a year ' i o 

To Palmer Golding for Ringing ye Bell one year of 

which he is to pay mr Bro\\ n part I I 4 

To Frances Herington fr PVancis Verys Finias Rices & 

Hilkiah Grouts Rates 1749 3 01 10 

To John Smith for his Son watching with ye widow 

Stearns 104 

To asa moore for mending Stocks & pound & new 

hinges for ye burying place 
for ye Sui)ort of ye School ye Same as was ye last year 
To ye Revd mr maccarty for his Salarey for ye yer En- 
suing as ye last year 






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I75I-] Town of Worcester. 121 

Voted that the above Sum of one hundred Thirty Eight pound 
one Shilling & Sixpence be assessed agreeable to Law on y* Poles 
& Ratable Estates in y'' Town tS: that y'' Same be Colecled & payd 
to John Chandler Esq' Town Tresurer or his Sucessors one half 
by y'^ 25 of Decembor next & y" Remainder by y'' first of next 
march. 

The Comitte appointed to Setle accuts with John Chandler Esq' 
Town Tresur made Report that [they have] attended that Service 
& fiend his accuts Right Cast iS: well voucht by wich it appears he 
has payd y'' Sum of one hundred fifty five pound three Shillings & 
Sixpence LawfuU money & he is in advance the Sum of Twenty 
pound Eight Shillings & foviri)cnce three farthings LawfuU money 
and that there is outstanding in the Constables hands Thirty Seven 
pound five Shillings & ninepence three farthings 

Voted that this Report be accepted i*c the Said John Chandler 
Esq"" be and hearby is discharged of y'' Sum of one hundred fifty 
five pound three Shillings & Sixpence the payments by him made 
and that he be accountable for y" money outstanding when Reeled 
in after he is Reimbursed what he is in advance. 

M"" John Ball oc others a Comitte appointed in march Last to 
Joyn with a Comitte of y" Propriators of y" Comon & undevided 
land in this Town in Selling a Small peace of Land to John Chand- 
ler Jur Esq' near his house made Report that y"" Said Comitte had 
Sold y"" Said land for four pound & that the half thereof being forty 
Shillings LawfuU money they had taken his note for and delivered 
y*' Same to John Chandler E^sq'" Town Tresurer agreeable to y*" vote 
of march Last which Report was accepted of by y" Town. 

The Comitte appointed in march Last on y*" Petition of Edward 
Knight & others for fixing a place to Ere(5l a School house on in 
y" Quarter y'' Petitioners live in made a verbal Report that thev 
had not performed that Service Some Difficultys attending y'' Same 

It was voted that Said [committee] be desired all of them to 
attend that affair & Report thereon as Soon as may be. 

Voted that y*" Seleftmen Carefiilly view the Road formerly laid 
out Leading from y'' meeting house to obadiah wards Samuel Rices 
&c and y*" Roads more latley laid out k accepted i)y y^Town lead 

BOOK U. Ifi 



122 Early Records. \\^^\. 

ing from Robert Grays & Jacob Hemingways Through Capt 
S[t]earnses land & Report what they think proper tor y*" Town to do 
Therin Especially Sence Said Stearns has Petitioned y*-' Court of 
Sessions for Redress as y*-' Road goes through his land & they are 
desired to notifie all parties to be present. 

Voted that messurs John Curtise, Danil Hubbard & James Boyd 
be a Comitte Effectually to Clear & fence fiiteen acres of y^ min- 
isteriall land adjoyning to Judg Jenisons heirs land and also to 
fence of y"^ pastering from y" mowing land near y^' meeting house 
in y^ Tennor of y^ Reverend mr maccarty & Lay their account be- 
fore y*^ Town for payment. 

Voted that Palmer Golding Junr have Liberty to Build a Shop 
on y*^ publick land on y*-' north. Side the Road near his house in 
Such place as Messurs Danil Hubbard, John Curtice k James Boyd 
Shall Diredl there to Stand only during the plesure of y" Town. 

Voted that major Heywood, Cp' Chandler & Danil Hubberd be 
a Comitte at y*^ Charge of y'' Town to Run y*^ Lines i!c Renew y" 
marks Round y" publick land near william mahans & to Eject any 
person or persons that may be in possession of any part of Sd land 
ministerial or School land. 

Voted that y" Selectmen Setle y*^ account of John Chandler Junr 
& to Setle y* affair of y*^ note of forty Shillings he gave for y'' land 
near his house k Report at y*^ next meeting how y" Salience may 
be. 

The aforegoing votes ware passed at y'^ Said meeting. 

Aits John Chandler modr. 



at a General Town meeting held at Worcester Scptr 23 : 1751 
at Said meeting John Chandler Esq'' was Chosen modr. 

atts Jonas Rice, T Clerk. 
Voted that the following Sums be granted & for y'' following pur- 
poses 

To John Chandler Esqr for Ritle ?naks Tails £0 6 o 

Xo Robert Gray for 171 feet of plank for Bridges o 10 6 

To Josiah Peirce for 50 feet of plank 038 



1752.] Town of Worcester. 123 

To Joshua Child for Service done for nir niaccarty and 

fencing land 080 

To Nathanil moorc Jur 150 feet of plank fur Totniens 

Bridg 090 

To John Ciiandler Jur to balance hif. account alowed 

by Seleclimen i 11 61-2 

To Dito to pay nir wisuell for mending ("dase for ye 

meeting house 016 o 

To John Chandler Esqr to Enable him to pay ye 

County Tax 411 o 



/8 15 Si-2 

voted that y'" above Stnii of Eight pound fifteen Shillings k Eight 
pence half peny be assessed with y" money granted y" 13 of may 
last making whole one hundred oc forty Six pound Eighteen Shillings 
&: Tenpence half peny il\: payd into y* Town Tresurer one half by 
y*" 25 of Decembr y*' other half by y*^ first of march next to be dis- 
posed of for y*" purposes for which y^ Same are voted. 

after Considerable debate on y*^ Second & third articles in y'' war- 
rant for Repairing the old School house & Building [a] new one 
y*^ Question was put whether y'' Town would grant a Som for Said 
Services or Either of them & it pased in y"^ negative. 

Voted that John Chandler, Jonas Rice Esqrs, major Danil Hey- 
wood, Deacon wheelor, Joseph Clark. John Chandler Jur. Joshua 
Biglo, Leiut Tyrus Rice, Leiut (jershom Rice, John Curtis, James 
Goodwin, Cp' ward, Nathanil adams & Noah Jones & James How 
be a Comitte to take y^ fourth article in y" warrent Relating to y' 
Reparing or adding to y'^ meeting house or Building a new one into 
Consideration & Report their opinion upon y'' whole to y^ next an- 
nual Town meeting [what] they may apprehend best for y" Town 
to do thereon. 

The foregoing vots past Att John Chandler, modr. 



at a General Town meeting held at y'" meeting house in Worces- 
ter march 2 : 1752 for y*" Choice of Town officers for y" year En- 
suing at Sd meeting John Chandler Esq"" was Chosen modr. 

aits Jonas Rice, T Clcr. 

at Sd meetinar the followins? officers were Chosen vizt 



124 Early Records. [1752. 

Coll Chandler, major Heywood, John Chandler Jur. Cp' Danil 
ward & m"' Elisha Smith, Sele6lmen & assessors. 

Jonas Rice, Town Cler. 

John Chandler Jur. Town Tresurer. 

Samuel andrews & Danil Hubberd who Served for Joseph Tem- 
ple, Constables. 

John Chadick, Sealor of Leather. 

Major Heywood, Clerk of y*" markitt & viewer of Boards ct Shin- 
gles & Clabords. 

Major Heywood, Major Rice, Josiah Peirce, Ebener willington, 
Simon (Jates, Danil Boyden, Benj* Flagg, Joseph Temple, william 
young, Joseph Clerk, Stephen Sawin & John Godderd, Surveyrs of 
highways & Colle6lors of y*^ highway Tax. 

David Bancroft & Benj'' Flagg, Fence Viewrs. 

Nath" adams & Elisha Smith, Tythingmen. 

Josiah Holdin & Thomas Cowden, Deer Revees. 

John Bond Jur. Benjamin Crosby, Comfort Rice, Samuel miller, 
Jhon mower, abell Heywood, Joseph willerd and obidiah ward, 
hogreeves. 

Deacon wheelor was Chose Grand Juryman. 

Voted that y'' Inhabitents in y*^ Center of y*^ Town Extending 
one mile & half from and Round y*^ School house there have al- 
lowed them their full proportion of y*^^ money that may be Granted 
y*^ present year for y*' Suport of Schooling provided they do Bona 
fide keep a Gramer Schoole y*^ whole year and that John Chandler 
Jur. Nath" Green & Luk Brown be a Comitte to See y'' Same Ef- 
fected and that if their proportion of Sd money vvill procure a 
School master more than Twelve weeks y^ usual time they have of 
Late had Schooling there any person may have Liberty to Send 
their Childrin for So long a time after Sd Twelve weeks as Sd pro- 
portion of theirs will have 

and if any person Sees Cause they may have Liberty of Joyning 
with y^ Inhabitents of y*" Center or Town Schoole they Contribut- 
ing a Just proportion to y'" Suport thereof over & above what y* 
Towns money Shall bare having Regard to y'' Distance & the num- 
ber of Children they may Send 

aud that y*' Residue of y'" money that y'-' Town Shall grant be 
Exi)ended in keeping School in y^' Different parts of y" Town as 



1752.] ToujJi of Worcester. 125 

usual ill proportion to what thay pay t\: at Such Seasons of y" year 
,13 may best Suit and John Boyden, Nathanil adams, James How, 
Robert Barber, Cp' James moore & noah Jones be a Comitte to 
See that Such Schools are actually & Duely kept & in y^ usuall places 
before y" money be payd allways provided that if y^ Inhabitents in 
that part of the Town Called Fiaggs Quarter Do not agree on Same 
Suitable place for a School being kept there then Said Comitte are 
to Determine that matter. 

The Saleclmen made a Report Concerning Some Roads being 
hid out to accomadate Danil Biglo it James Furbuse wich ware 
Reffered to y*' adjournment of this meeting for further Consideration 

Voted that y*" ways layd out through land of Robert Gray & Cp' 
Stearns & accepted by y*" Town at their annual meeting march 5 : 
1749-50 be discontinued >.'»: for y'' future Deemed no way. 

Voted that mr Jonas Biglo, Cp' Jenison & mr John Curtice be 
a Comitte to Setle accuts with y*^ Town Tresurer & Report y'' Same 
to y^ next Town meeting. 

Voted that forty Shillings money be allowed & payd to Such of 
y'' Inhabitents of y'^ Town for every woolf by them killed in y^ 
Bounds of y° Town and that may be Discovered in & be followed 
out of y^ Town and killed and Sixpence for Each Ratle Snake kill- 
ed at their Dens or near y'' Same ^^c y'' tails produced to y'^ Select- 
men & burnt. 

Voted that one hundred & fifty pound LawfuU money be assess- 
ed & Leveyed on y'^ Poles & Estates in y" Same way & maner as it 
was the Last year to be Expended in Building Bridges Cassways 
& mending and Repairing Decayd ons and puting y^ Roads ct ways 
into Repair & that y" Same wages be allowed and Rules followed 
in all Regards as was voted at y*^ annual meeting in march Last. 

a List of Jurymen prepared by y" Seleflmen was Read & ac 
cepted & voted by y"" Town part for y" Lifeirour Court -!< part for 
the Superiour Court to be put into y^ Box to be drav/n. 

The Comitte appointed to Consider what might be proper for 
y* Town to do Relating to y'' meeting house whither to Build a 
new one add to or Repair y" present house was Read & was ac- 
cepted and y° Town voted that y* Sele6tmen do Effc6lually Repair 



126 Early Records. [1752. 

y^ present house by Shingleing & Claboarding So much as they 
may Judg needful! that they alter y^ window behind the pullpitt So 
as to accomodate y^ Rev*^ maccarty and Ere6l a Small Porch be- 
fore y* fore or South dore of y*^ meeting house & make proper 
Doores in y^ Same as they may Judg proper. 

all y^ officers this day Chosen were Sworn in y*^ meeting to y' 
faithful! discharge of their Respedlive offices & at y*" Same time 
took y*^ oaths Relating to y" Bills of Creditt (S:6l. 

all y^ aforegoing vots past at Sd meeting 

atist John Chandler, modr. 

and then y*^ meeting was adjourned to y^ Eighth day of may 
next at one a Clock after n&one. John Chandler, modr. 



at a Town meeting held at Worcester at y" meeting house may 
8 : 1752 by adjournment from y^ 2^ day of march Last at one of 
y* Clock after noon & then mett 

Voted that Return of a Road laid out to accomodate James For- 
bus & Son and of another Road laid out to accomodate Danil 
Biglo be accepted & Beamed privite Roads or ways & be Recorded 
as Such. atts John Chandler, modr. 

Memorandum of a Road to accomodate m'' James Forbus & Son 
to Come to y"" publick worship & to mill Begining at y'' Corner 
of y" fence of Said Forbus & Runing to a white oake marked and 
from thence to a black oake markt c*^ from thence to a gray oak 
markt (S: from thence to a black oak markt ct from [thence] to a 
Chustut tree markt eS: from thence to a Pitch Pine Stoddle [ ?] 
markt near y'" Trod Road Leading to Sutton Said Road Runing 
partly through Land of adam Knox & partly through y'' Land of 
John Totman Said Road to be Two Rods wide & to lye on y' 
Northerly Side of y" marks which we apprehend will Doe Least 
Damige to y*^ owners of y'^ Land and best Suit y*^ above Persons. 

We have also Laid out a Road to accomodate m'' Danil Biglo 
to Come to pubHck worship & to mill & Begins at a Large Gray 
oak in y'^ Line between the Land of Said Biglo c^; mr John Tatman 



1752.] Town of Worcester. 127 

which is markt & fro:n thence Ruiiin^ down to y® Road Leading 

to Sutton to a heep of Stones by y*" Side of y'^ Stone wall y*' Road 

to lye on y" Northrly Side of y'' marks i*c to be Two Rods wide 

which we apprehend will doe Least Damige & Best accomodate 

Sd Biglo all which we Liy before y"" Town for their acceptence. 

John Chandler -^ r^ , n ' 
x\ ■\ \j 1 ) Selectmen 

Danil Heywood { ^ 

Danil Ward \ '^ , 

T , i-y 1, ) Worcester 
|ohn Chandler -' 



Sutton april 22 : i 752. 
We y*' Subscribers being appointed by y*" Seleftmen of Sutton 
have this day mett with Worcester at y'' Northwestrly Corner of y^ 
Town of Sutton and Perambulated Begining at a heep of Stons 
Called y*^ Sd northwest Corner of our Said Town by Sundry anciant 
Bounds which we then found 1*;: acknowledgd to be our fjounds to 
a heep of Stons made upon a Large fast Rock being 32 Rods north 
of y^ northwestrly Corner of Grafton. 

abitt Chase 
Charles Richardson 
Benjamin Marsh 

Worcester april 22 : 1752. 
We y'' Sul)scribers being appointed by y"" Seleclmen of Worces- 
ter to Perambulate y*^ Bounds between Worcester oxford & Sutton 
have this day attended that Service & have mett with y'' Gentlmen 
of oxford & Renewed our antciant Corner we also mett with y' 
Gentlm of Sutton at a heep of Stons Claimed by them to be their 
Northwestrly Corner & Renewd y"" Same and from thence we Run- 
ing East 22 '^ & 30 '" north to a white oake tree markt thence to 
a black oake markt thence to another black oak tree markt thence 
to a Popler i!v: a lilack oak Standing togather thence to a heep of 
Stons thence by Sundry marks to a^ black oak plant Standing on 
y*^ Eastrly Siile of m'' Richardsons River and from thence by old 
marks to a heep of Stons being the northwestrly Corner of m"" Rich- 
ardsons land thence by old marks till we Came to a heep of Stons 
being y'' South westrly Corner of m"" Curtices farm thence by old 
marks to a pitch pine tree thence by or near mr Jeremiah Buck- 



128 Early Records. [1752. 

mans fence till it Come to y" Road Leading from Worcester to Sut- 
ton from thence to a Large white oak tree Standing near y*^ house 
of Jonas woodard and from thence to a heep of Stons Suposed to 
be y'' Southwestrly Corner of Rogerors farm So Called now in pos- 
session of y*^ Revd mr appleton. 

Jonas Rice 
Danil Boyden 
David Bancroft 



at a Town meeting held at y'' meeting house in Worcester may 
Eighth 1 752 at Said meeting John ChandlerEsc/ was Chosen modr. 

aits Jonas Rice, T Cler. 
. Voted that the following Sums be Granted for y^ following pur- 
poses 

To Robert Gray for 318 feet of plank for Bridges o 16 o 

To Joseph wyle for three Tails 016 

To Jacob Smith for 18 Tails 090 

To Jonas wooderd for Seven Tails 036 

To Palmer Golding Jur. for Ringing ye Bell Taking Care 

of meeting house & mending fence &c 248 

To Cpt ward & Palmer Golding for Carying James 

Biglos wife away 
To noah Jones for Isaac wetherbys Rates 
Towards moses Peters Pole 
Towards Joshua Bancrofts Rates 
Robert Parkers Rates 
Towards Ensign Parkers Rates 



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To absolom Rice for Samll Randalls Rates 
To Samuel Eaton for James vvhitneys Rates 
and towards Samll andrsons Rates 
For ye Suport of ye Schoole 
■To ye Revd mr maccarty for his Sallrey ye year Ensuing So o o 

134 8 I 1-2 
Voted that the above Sum of one hundred thirty four pound 
Light Shillings & one peny half peny be assessed on y'' Poles & Es- 
tates in y'' Town agreeable to Law & Collected & payd to John 
Chandler Jur Esq"" Town Tresurer one half by the Twenty fifth day 
of Decembr next and y'' first of march to be by him pa)d for y* 
above purposes. 



/D' 



.] Town of Worcestc7\ 129 



Thi Co.nitte appointed to Setle accuts with y'" late Town Tres- 
urer made Report wliich was accepted whcarby it appears that 
there is a ballence due to y" Tewn from him Seven pound Seven 
Shillings (^ ninepence three farthings .V: that there is out Standing 
in Constable Eatons hands Twenty pound iv in Constable Jones 
hands Seventeen pouijd fifteen Shillings & four pence Therefore 
voted upon y*-' accountents paying unto y'' present Town Tresurer 
Said Sum of Seven pound Seven Shillings & nine pence three far- 
things y'^ ballence in hands be fully Discharged and that y'' present 
Town Tresurer Recive what is outstanding in y*^ hands of Sd Eaton 
A: Jones & pay out y*^ Same agreeable to former votes or Stich other 
votes as may be past or agreeable to Such orders as he may Re- 
ceive from y*^ Selectmen. 

Voted that mess John Ball, John Curtice & James Boyd be a 
Comitte to joyn with y'^ Survivers of a Comitte appointed by y*" 
Propriators of y"" Comon & undivided Land in Worcester to make 
Sale of their Land in Worcester To make Sale of a peice of Land 
at y" East Eand of m' James Putnams Land & adjoyning to Dr wil- 
lard To Sd Putnam & willerd at a Reasonable price & to Execute 
Deed Therefor one half of y*" money arising by Such Sale To be 
payd into y'' Town Tresury for y'" use of y*" Town and the other 
half to be for y" use of Said Propriators. 

The aforegoing votes pased at Sd meeting 

atis John Chandler, modr. 



We the Subscribers Sele6lmen of Worcester and Holdin together 
with mr william young appointed by y" Sele^Stmen of Worcester 
agreeable to y'' Seleclmen of worcesters notification of y"-' Sixteenth 
of march Last met at 'f Northwest Corner of Worcester and Per- 
amlated the bounds between the Towns of Worcester and Hol- 
den and Renewed the ma.'-ks agreeable to the Province Law. 
april 22 : 1752. 
Danil Heywood ^ Seleflmen of 

ElishaSnith \ luo reenter k Samuel Pearce '\ Sclc.n.men 

Jolin Chan Her Jur j persons ap- Richard Flagg >- of 
Wilhn Young J pointed by Jonathan Lovell j Holdin 

them 



130 Early Records. [i753- 

at a meeting of the Inhabitents of Worcester o6tober 10 : 1 752 
Regulerly assembled at Sd meeting Danil Hey wood Esq'' was Clio- 
sen modr attest Jonas Rice, T Cler. 

voted that y*^ following Sums be Granted for the following pur- 
poses 

To John Chandler Jur his adt of Sundries for ye 

meeting house £ (y % i 

To ye Sele6lmen to pay [for] Glazing ye Pulpits window 

& mending ye meeting house Glass i 10 o 

To money to pay ye County Tax and that the Same be 

payd by ye Town Tresurer to ye County Tresurer 592 

To Gardiner Chandler for 800 Clabboards 280 

To Gardiner Chandler for Led Pullys &c 
To Noah Jones for work at ye meeting 'house 
To Leuit Tyrus Rice for 4 days work mending the 

meeting house &c 
To ye Selectmen to pay for mr Roberts funrall &c 
To asa moore for 3 pair of hinges 
To James Trobridg for 200 pitch pine bords 491-2 

& for 190 white pine Do 9 : 4 
To major Heywood for Boarding & boards 
To Ezekel How for 36 feet of plank for a Bridg 
To Major Heywood & John Chaddick for Drawing & 

under pining ye Poarch 114 

Voted that y" afore written Sum of Thirty Pound fifteen Shillings 
and Eight pence together with one hundred Thirty four pound 
Eight Shillings & one peney half peeny voted to be Raised the 
Eighth of may Last be assessed in one Tax on y*" PoUes & Estats 
in y*' Town agreeable to Law and Collected lc payd to John Chand- 
ler Junr Esq"" Town Tresurer one half by y' 25 day of Decembr 
next & the Residue by y'' first day of march next & to be by him 
payd for y*^ purpose for which Said Sums ware Granted, 
the aforegoing vots Passed at Sd meeting. 

attest Danil Heywood, modrator. 






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7 


2 I 


-2 





14 


I I 


-2 





12 

i 



9 





at a General Town meeting held at Worcester march 5"' : 1753 
for y* Choide of Town oflicers c\:6t John Chandler Esq"" was Cho- 
sen modrator attest Jonas Rice, T Clerk. 

att Said meeting y*" following officers ware Chosen vizt. 



1 753-] Town of Worcester. 13.1 

John Chandler Escj"". John Chandler Jiir Kscf. M Danil Heywood 
Cp' Danil ward & I) Thomas wheelor, Selectmen. 

Jonas Rice, Town Clerk. 

John Chandler Junr, Town Tresurcr. 

Thomas Richardson & Elisha Smith Jur, Ccjnstables. 

John Chaddick, Sealer of Lether. 

Maj Uanil Heywood, C of y'' markitt tt Survcyr of Ijoards 
Clabords & Shingls. 

Jonas Rice Esq"". John Cirtice & Thomas wheelor, Siirveyers of 
highways & Collectors of y*^ highway Tax to be granted. 

John Gates & Samuel Cirtice, Fence Vievvrs. 

Josiah Pearce & Jonas ward, Tythingmen. 

John Gates & Thomas wheelor, Deer Reves. 

abel Heywood Sworn. Jonas Rice 3 Sworn. 

all y* above ofificers were Sworn in y'^ meeting to their Re- 
spe6live offices and Each one took the oath prescribed in y* ad 
2 2** George y^ Second. 

Nathanil Tatman, Benjamin Crosby, willm m'^farlind, Solomon 
Johnson, abel Heywood, willm Cowden & Jonas Rice y*" 3, hog- 
reives. 

Benj Crosby & willm Cowden ware Sworn as abovesd in y'' meet- 
ing. 

voted that y" Schools be Supported in y'' Same way tS; manner 
as they ware y" Last year t^ John Chandler Junr. Nathanil Cireen. 
Luke Brown are appointed for providing a master for y'' Center 
School and Deacon Wheelor, John Boyden, Nathanil adams, John 
Curtice, Elisha Smith Jur. & Noah Jones are appointed a Comitte 
for y*" Several parts of y^ Town they Live in for providing Suitable 
masters or Teachers and y'" Selectmen are Impowred to fix the 
bounds of Smiths Quarter k Flaggs Quarter So Called and if need 
be the places that y*" School is to be Kept in. 

John Chandler Jur Informed y'' Town that he had given Land 
for a [road] Thro his Land for Robert Gray to pass to t^ from his 
Farm or place he now Dwells on which y'' Town accept k Ratifie 
as a privite way for y** use of Sd Gray. 

voted that major Rice, Cp* Jenison t'v: mr James Boyd be aCom- 
itte to Settle accuts with y* Town Tresurcr & Report at y^ next 
meeting. 



132 Early Records. [i753- 

Voted that y* Incourigment for Killing of woulves & Rattlesnaks 
as was allowed & voted y" Last year be allowed & granted for y'' 
present year. 

Voted that the Sum of one hundred & fifty pounds Lawfull 
money be assessed & Leveyd on y*^ Poles & Estates in y^ Town in 
y'^ Same way & maner as was voted at y*" annual meeting held hear 
y*^ 4"' of march 1 750-1 to be Expended in Building bridges & Caus- 
vvays & mending oc Repairing decayd ones &. puting y^ Roads (!^ 
ways into good Repair y*" present year and that y^ Same wages be 
allowed & Rulls followed in all Regards as was voted at Said meet- 
ing cv: y^ Sele6lmen are desered & Dere6fed in giving orders to y'' 
Surveyers to allow Persons to work So as may best accomodate 
them having a General Regard to y^ Publick benifitt. 

In answer to y^ Seventh article in y*^ warrant voted 
that John Chandler Junr, Joshua Biglo & James Goodwin be a 
Comitte to Lease out Palmer Golding Junr his Executors or admin- 
istrs or assins So much of y" Publick Lands northward of y*" Road 
going by his Dwelling house as may be needfull for the Erecting 
a mallt house on with needfull Yard Room & place for a well to be 
by him Said Golding his Executr administrator or assins held cc 
Injoyd So Long as he or they Shall Keep a good malt house there- 
on & to & for no other use or uses whatso ever provided he Erec^t 
Said" malt house & have y'' Same fitt for use by Tenth of next no- 
vember and that y^ Sd Comitte bear y" name of y*^ Comitte for 
y" Leesing out Some of y'' Publick Land to build a malt house on 
and bear Succession & to be filled up or added to by y*" Town as 
may be needfull & that Sd Comitte obtain y" Consent of the Revd 
m' maccarty our present minister and y'^' Comitte are desired to be 
CarefuU in drawing a Leese agreeable to this vote. 

M'' Joshua Biglo was Chosen Grand Juryman for y^ year Ensu- 
ing. 

all y*^ aforegoing votes past at Sd meeting. 

attest John Chandler, modr. 



att a General Town meeting held at Worcester may 21 : 1753 
at Said meeting John Chandler Esq'' was Chosen modrator. 

attest lonas Rice.'T Clerk. 



'753-] 



Town of Worcester. 133 



at Said meeting voted that y*^ following Sums in Lawfull money 
be granted too & for y*' following purposes vizt 

To Dr Nahum wiilard for medciones for John Roberts 

& familey ;^ 2 13 6 

To noah Jones for making Dores for ye Porch at 

ye meeting house & for Stocks &c i 10 o 

To John Stoile for his wives nursing John Roberts &c 063 

To Danil Hubbard for James Quigglcs Rates &c 099 

To Pallmer Golding Jur for Ringing ye Bell and taking 

Care of ye meeting house &c 218 

To william Johnson for handles for ye Porch of the 

meeting house & Belt for ye Stocks 
To asa moore for Spikes Hinges & Pine Cants[?] 
To Ebenezer Flagg for 267 feet of Plank 
To Robert Gray for 407 of Plank 
To Josiah Pearce for 156 feet of Plank 
To willm young for Surveying ye Public Lands 
To John Chandler for 600 feet of Plank 
To Samuel Eaton for Building an oven for mr maccarty 
To Ezekiel How for 174 feet of Plank 
To Samuel andrews for mackinters Rates but he to us[e] 

his Intrest to git them for ye Town 
To Isaac willerd for Eight Tails 
To Coll Chandler for 9 Tails 
To Jacob Smith for 8 Tails 
To Jacob Hemingway for 8 Tails 
To John Chandler Jur 9 Tails 
To Peter Johnson 9 Tails 
To noah Jones for Joe Boydens Rates 
To Samuel andrews for James Glasfords Rates 
To ye Suport of ye School to be disposed of in the 

Same, proportion as Last year 60 

To ye Revd mr maccarty for his Salerey for ye year 

Coming 80 






5 








5 


4 




I 


'3 

I 


8 
8 





8 








8 








12 








8 








9 


4 





9 








4 








4 


6 





4 








4 








4 







4 


6 


I 


5 


9 





9 


2 



155 17 s 

The afore Sd Sums being one hundred iV tifty five pound Seven- 
teen Shillings & Eight pence Lawfull money to be Levied & as- 
sessed by y*' assessors according [to] Law on y® Poles & Estates 
in y^ Town and payd in to y*^ Town Tresurer one half by y" Twen- 
ty fifth of next December & y^ other half by y" first day of march 
following & to be payd for y'' above uses. 

Voted that Danil Hubberd, Noah Jones and william inahon 



134 Early Records. [i753- 

fence or procute to be fenced Effedually the Publick Lands Lying 
by Said mahans Place that has been Improved and Lay their ac- 
counts before y*" Town for allowence. 

also voted that y*" Comitte for Clearing the Publick Land west 
of Judge Jnisons Heirs Land See y"" Same well Cleared and Sowed 
Down with Grass as is needfuU & that it Lye unfenced this year. 

Voted that y" affair of Samuel Lawrence Relating to y*" way go- 
ing across his land for y'' Benifitt of Danil Biglo be Continued over 
to y" next meeting. 

Voted y" Report of y*" Comitte on y*^ accounts of John Chandler 
Junr Esq"" Town Tresurer be accepted and that he be Discharged 
of y" Sum of Two hundred pounds Thirteen Shillings & nine pence 
half peney & that he further account for y" Sum of fourteen pound 
nineteen Shillings & fourpence I out Standing in y'' Constables 
hands as he Receives y*^ Same. 

voted that y^ Intermission Season on Sundays between the fore- 
noon and afternoon Service till y*" Town Shall further order be one 
hour and no more. 

Voted that y" Comitte formerly appointed or y'' major part of 
them to See that John Chandler Jur & Danil wafd have Efe6lualy 
Cleared y" School Land formerly Let to them be Impowred to In- 
force y*" Same if need be. 

voted \. James Boyd, John Curtice & Joshua Biglo be a Comitte 
to Consult with y^ feild officers l*c other millitery Comission officers 
in y^ Town as to y" necessity & Conve^nency of Leasing out y*" 
Training feild in order to its being Levilled & Report to y*" Town 
at y" next meeting what may be thought proper for y" Town to doe 
in that affair. 

voted that m' Joshua Biglo, Cp* Jenison & mr John Curtice be 
a Comitte to Consider of y" account of Samuel andrews & Report 
at y'' next meeting what they may think proper for y*^ Town to Do 
thereon. The aforegoing vots pased at Sd meeting. 

AfU's John Chandler, modr. 



att a town meeting Held att Worcester Being Reguarresly as- 
sembled att the meting Hous on monday the first Day of o6tober 
att two of the Clock in the after Noon A D 1753 John Chandler 
Escf Was Chosen moderator, a/kst Danil Heywood, Town Clark. 



1 753-] Town of Worcester. 135 

Danil Heywod Was Chosen Town Ciarck In the Room of Jonas 
Rice iisq Dc''. 

L:;uit Tirus Rice Was Chosen-vSurveior of Hy waycs and Collector 
of the Hyway Tax In the Room of Jonas Rice afforsaid Esq Dc'' and 
the Seleclmen are to Cive Proper orders and Directions to Him 
Relating Their to and a ^Var^cnt for Colecling what of Said Tax Is 
Not yet Paid In and to Be Disposed of agreeable to the former 
order and vote of the Town. 

Voted that the County Tax for this year Being iMght Pound 
four Shillings and four pence Be assesed with the Town Tax. 

Voted that the Sum of Twenty Eight Shillings .V Six pence Be 
granted to Pay Doclor Tylers accompt of medisons against Isaac 
Witherbey. 

Voted that the Sum of three Pound Be granted for Repairing of 
the meting Hous and fensing the Buring Place. 

voted that this above Said Sum of twelve Ponds twelve Shillings 
and tene Pence to geather with all Such Sums of money that Have 
bin granted this Presant year Be assesed In one assesraent and 
Paid out according to the vote of the town or Such orders as the 
Sele6lmen Shall Give and to Be paid in to the Town Treasuryer 
half by the twenty fifth of Desember and half By the first of Next 
march. 

Voted that Daniel heywood and Capt Thomas Stearns Be a Com- 
ittee to See that the burind place gate be hung the Wall Be mend- 
id up and pold With good pealed Poles and that thay agree With 
Som Satiable Parsons to See the Same affected and Compleated 
as Soon as may be att the best Lay they can the above vote 

Pased at Slid meeting Attest John Chandler, moderator. 

I Sertify that the above offisers were Sworn to the fnithfull Dis 
charge of Their Respective offises and that att the Same Time they 
toock the oath Relating to the Bills of Credit of other Govern- 
ments, ait John (Chandler, Just l*eacc. 



Worcester may 22 : 1753. 

Jonathan mowers Ear mark of his Cattle & Sheep is a Cross of 
of y*^ left Ear & Slitt in y'' End of y^ Right Ear. 



( 



GENERAL INDEX 



GENERAL INDEX. 



A 

Adams, Charles, 14. 21, 30, ;i^, 40; 
Xathaniel, 60. 77, So. 99. 123, 124 
125. 131; Thomas. 10, 23, 30. ^^. 
4y. 59, 77- ^2, 94, 105, 1 10. 

Ammunition, Town stock of, 14, 50 63 

Alexander, James. 27. 

Anderson, Samuel, 12S. 

Andrews, Samuel. 21. 29. 30, 42. 54, 

124, 133. 134. 

Appleton. Rev. Mr. (of Cambridge) 
59. 63. 64, 73, 12S. 

B 

Baker, Gideon, 29, 40. 
Bailey, Benoni, 49, 53. 
Ball, John. 94, 105. 109. iiS, 1 21. 

129. 
Bancroft. David, 29. 46. 54, 6/. 77. 

92. 99, 109, 112. 116, 124. 12S. 

Joshua. 1 12. 1 28. 
Barber, John. 39, 48, 61; Robert, 24 

30. 32. 33. 36- 41- 45- 54. 92. 102. 

113. 116, 125. 
Bell, acliijn of town concerning. 31. 

32. 44, 65. 
Bennit. Moses. 96. 
Biglo. Daniel. 27. 30, ^^. 37, 54, 96, 

125, 125. 134; James, 70, 74. 82 
92, 95, 107. 109. 1 28; Jonas, 125; 
Joshun. 61, 63. 70. 74, 76, 83, 84, 
92. 93, 94, 95. 98, 99, 102, 107, 
loS. 114, 123, 132. i34;Joth,''m, 9. 

Bill, Joseph, 49. 104. 

Birds, encouragement for killing, 10, 

18,25,33. 
Bixby. Samuel, 82. 



Blair, (or Blare) Robert, 13, 14, 30. 
Bliss, Rev. Mr. (of Concord) 52. 
Bogachoag, 37, 50, S3, 109. 
Bond, John, Jr.. 124. 
Boundary Lines renewed, 16, iic^ 

127, 129. 
Boyden, Daniel, 9, 14. 17. 25, 30, 30 

42, 54, 58. 61. 63, 67, 92, 95, 98, 

99, 102, 109, 112, 113. 116, 124.. 

12S; John, 2,2- 37. 46. 92, 113. ii*"' 

125, 131. 
Boyd, James, iS, 24, 31. 32, 3^. 40, 

49, 51. 52, 54, 56. 66, 67, 68, 72, 

76,91.94,95. 99, 107, 109. 116. 

1 1 8, 122, 129. 134. 
Brown, James, 70, 74, 82, 92. 95, 107 

109, 113; Luke, 35, 45, 53, 54, 6q 

77, 92. 99. 104, 109, no, 124, 131; 

Rev. Mr. '59, 66, 68. 
Buck, Dr. Samuel, 90. 91, 107. 
liuckman. Jeiemiah, 127. 
Bullard, Jonathan, 30. 
Burnitt. John. 49. 
Burr, Rev. Isaac, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, 

26, 28, 29, 23, r^D^ 46, 49. 54, 58- 

85, 86, 87, 90, 
Burying place, 26, 34, 51. 60, loS. 

135- 

C 

Caldwell. (Callwell) James. 9; John, 

13, 21. 
Cathan. James, 9. 
Chadwick. (or Chaddick) John, 9, 17 

24, 31- 33' 42. 45, 49< 51, 53'. 54. 
67, 68, 77, 84, 92, 99, 105, 109 
116, 124, 130. 



140 



General Index. 



Chamberlin, Jacob, 53, 54, 99. 

Chandler, Gardiner, 130; John, Esq. 
one of the ''principal inhabitants" 
of the town, his name appearing as 
selectmen, treasurer, moderator, 
assessor, etc. upon nearly every 
page in the book. John, Jan., 34, 
40, 45i S'l 54, 59, 63, 66, 67, 70. 
82, 92, 99, 102, 104, 106, 107, 108, 
III, 112, 113, 114, lib, 118, 119, 
120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 128, 129, 
130. 131, 132, 133, 134. 

Chase, abbitt, (of Sutton) 127. 

Child, John, 60; Joshua, 31, 33, I05, 
123; Joshua, Jun., 109. 

Childs, Widow, 70. 

Cider Mill, Fiske's, 102; Moore's, 

112. 

Clark, (or Clerk) Joseph, 30, y^, 54, 
61, 65, 72, 77, 78, 92, 116, X20, 
123, 124; Joseph. Jun., 46. t>S, 71, 
77, 120. 

(Jook, Elijah, 9, 21, 23, 24, 25. 27,38 
40. 41; Elkanah, 50;. Enock, 54, 

77. 109- 
Concord, 52. 
Court of General Sessions, 15. 19, 23 

24, 34, 65, 117. 122. 
Cowden, Thomas, 105, 124; William 

131- 

Crosby, Benjamin, 42, 60, 77, 105. 
116. 124, 131; Joseph, 9, 14, 16, 
21, 24, 27, 30, 40, 42; Widow, 60. 

Curtis, (or Curtice) Ephraim. 2,t,. 39 
40, 49, 52, 54, 55. 56, 66. 84; John 
10, II, 17, 18, 31. 12,^ 41, 44, 46, 
52, 54, 60. 61, 66, 75, 84, 93, 98. 

lOO, 102, 107, 109, no, 118, 122. 

123, 125, 129; Samuel, 131. 
Ciishing, T., .Speaker of House of 

Representatives, 39. 
Cutting, (or Gating) George. 109. 



D 

Danson's Meadow, 36, 
Davenport, Charles, 11. 15, 54. 
Dawson's Brook, 102. 
Deed of Parsonage Lands, 88. 
Denney, Daniel and Thomas, (of 

Leicester) 119, 120. 
Deer, preservation of, 9, 18, 25. 
Dike. John, 59. 
Dunkin, Daniel, 13, 21. 24, 30, 43, 

53, 09; Samuel, 9, 13, 14, 20, 21. 
Dunlap, (or Donlap) James, 29. 
Durant, Edward, 10, II, 12. 
Dyer, Joseph, Protests of, 12, 26,35, 

45, 53, 69, 120; biographical sketch 

of, 13. 

E 
Earl, David, 94. 103, 104; William. 

Ear mark, for cattle and sheep. 135, 
Eaton, Joshua, 17, 18, 24, 31, 65; 

Joshua, Jun., 24; Samuel, 30, 60. 

113, 116, 128, 133. 
Elder, William, 102. 
Emerson, Rev. Mr., invited to preach 

66, 82. 



Eisk, Isaac, 9, 17, 24, 3c; John, 102, 
113; John, Jun., 102. 

Flagg. Benjamin, o, 11, 12, 15, 16, 
17, 22, 23, 29, 32, 40, 42, 43, 45, 
46. 4/, 48, 52, 53, 54, 57. 59, 61, 

66, 68, 70, 71, 72, 73, 76, 77, 78, 
79, 81, 82, 83, 86, 90, 91, 92, 93, 
94, 95, 99, 102, 104, 106, III. 112 
113, 116, 119, 124; Benjamin, Jun. 

67. loi; Ebenezer, 18, 25, 30, 40, 
60. 67, 109, 116, 11 8, 133; Elisha, 
30- 31. Zl> 45, 53; Josiah, 36; 
Richard, 24, 35, 40, 45, 53, I03. 



General Index. 



141 



Foibiish. Arthur. 59, 70; James, 13, 
21. 30, 125, 120; James, Jiin.. 92. 
French Invasion, 74. 
French River. 72. 
F>ink, Rev. Mr.. 107. 
Frezi, Daniel, 49. 

Gardner, Xathaniel. 63. 64, 66. 

Garey. Joseph, 49. 60. 

Gates. Benjamin. 12, 21, 30; [ohn. 

25. 27. 30. y^. 45. 53, 67, 69. 77, 

92, 99. 131; Jonathan, 24. 30. y^. 

45, 46. 63; Simon. 124; Solomon, 

40. 
Glassford. James. 18. 133. 
Gleson, (or Glezen) Tsaac, 116; 

Thomas. 21. 24, 30. 36. 
Goddard, Jolin. 124. 
Goldin.c, Palmer, 9, 10, 12, 13, it;, 

17. 18. 20, 21, 23. 24, 25. 29. 30. 

32. ZZ, 40, 41. 42. 50. 52. 66, 72. 

77, 78, 83. 96, 107. 120, 128; Pal- 
mer, Jun., 107. 122. 
Goodwin. James. 30. 46. 54, 55, 56. 

64. 66, 67. 75, 77, 84, 92, 99. 109, 

1 16, 123. 132. 
Gray. Joseph. y-„ 35, 36; Matthew. 

30; Matthew, Tim., 71, 72; Roliert 

27-30. y~ 71, 77, QQ. 100. III. 

122. 121;, 12S, 131. 133; William. 

y\ William. Jan.. 3C1, 32. 
Green, Nathaniel, 92, 131 ; Thomas, 

36; Timothy. 30, 39. 53. 54. 69. 
Grout, Ililkiah. 120: Tonathan. 56, 

59, 60, 62, 80. 

H 

Haggitt, Thomas. 14. 
Hall. Rev. David, (of Sutton) c;,?. 
Hambleton, Tames. 103, 116; John. 
35, 45; Michael, 46, 61. 



liapgood. rhom.as, (of Shrewsbury) 
16. 

Harrington, Francis. 30, 33, 40, 42. 
45, 99, 116, 120. 

Harris, William, 17, 25. 33, 40, 46, 
60, 61. 

Harvey, Doctor, 14, 40, 45, 49, 35, 
59. 68, 73, 80, 91. 

Heath, Joshua, 102. 103. 

Hedge, Elisha, 18, 23. 24, 31, T^y ()■;, 
72, 80. 

Hervey, Zachary, 24, 26, 29, 41, 53, 
56, 69. 

Hemingway, Jacob, in. 120, 122.13^, 

Henchman. David, 94, 102. 103. 

Ileywood. Abel, 124. 131 ; C, 67; 
Daniel. 9, 10, 11. 15. 16. iS. 21, 
22, 23, 24. 25, 2S, 32. ^^. 36. 3v. 
38,41.42,45. 47, 48, 52, 53, 54, 
55' 57. 59. 61. 66, 68, 72. 75, 76. 
77, 79. 80, 91, 92. 93. 96. 97, 99, 
102. 104. 105, 107, 109, III. 112, 
113, 116. 119, 120. 122. 123. 124, 
127. 129, 130. 131, 134, 135; Dan- 
iel. Jun., 99. 

Hill. John, 30. 35, 45. 

Ilolden, town of. 11, 67, 77, 103, 
129. 

Ildldin, Daniel. 13. 14. 15, 18, 54, 
30, 66, 80; James. 9, 27, 31, 33, 
45. 56; Josiah, 67, 99, 124. 

Holton, Israel. c;3. 

Holmes, Jacob, 9, 11. 30, 114. 

Horse racing forliidden. 65. 

?Iov\-, Daniel, (of Shrewsbury) 17; 
F.zekiel, 60. 90. 109, 130, 133; 
James, 9. 14. 15, 16, 21, 33, 27, 28, 
30. 33, 41, 46, 49, 54, 60, 61, 63, 
''•7. 77- 79> 99, 123. 125. 
Hubbard, Daniel, 9, 17, 27, 31, 32, 
41, 45. 54. 74, 77, 7S. 80, 84, 86 
91, 92, 100, 102,113, 122, 124, 133 



142 



Genej'-al hidex. 



1 

Indian Inhabitant, 42. 
installment of Rev. Mr. Maccarly, 
84, 85. 

J 

jenibon, Israel, 9, 12, 30, 31, 45, 60, 
92,99, 107, 109, iiO, 120; Rev., 
21 ; Samuel, n8; William, 17, 20, 
30, 80, 86, 91, 131, 134. 

Johnson, Adam, 27; John, 40, 02; 
Peter, 133; Solomon, 9, 24, t,^, 30 
37, if'i^ O7, 68, 102, 131; William, 

13. ^6. 35. 40 45' /c-, 77. «c), 95^ 

109, 110, 113, 125, 133. 
Jones, Noah, 35, 49, 54, 56, 67, 103, 

116, 123, 125, 128, 130, 131, 133. 
Jurymen, 30, 31, 32; aClion of town 

concerning, 77, 125. 
Jury, Grand, 31, 32, 92, 99, 109, 116, 

124. 

K 
Kathan, John, 19, 20, 27, y^, 35. 45, 

53- 

Keyes, Cyprian, (of Shrewsbury) 16. 
John, 34. 

King, Benjamin, 14. 

Kingston, Paul. 65. 

Kingston, Church of Christ in, 75, 76 

Knight, Daniel, 40, 60; Edward. 18, 
40, 54. 60. 67. 92, 118, 121; Ed- 
ward, Jun., 30, 31. 46, 77; John. 
60, 77, 79; Thomas, 60. 

Knox, iVdam, 126. 

L 

Lamond, Edward, 59. 

Langdon, Rev. Mr., to preach on 

proljation, 53, 66. 
Lawrence, Mr., (of Groton) invited 

to preach in a probationary way. 



74, 82; Samuel, 134; William (of 

Groton) 74. 
Lebanon, town of, 68. 
Lee, Llenry, 1 1, 15, 17, 21, 23, 27. 
Leicester, 20, 42, 47, 07, 68, yi, 72, 

80, 119. 
Linds. (^or Lynd) Jonathan, 56, 113. 
Lovell, Jonathan, (of fiolden) 129; 

Alicah, (or Lovewell) 9, 25, 30, 

45; Michael, 33,40, 41, 49, 67, 71. 
Lyon, Josiah, 23. 

M 

Maccarty, Rev. Thaddeus, 74, 75, 76 
79, 81, 'i,T„ 84, 85, 87, 88, 90, 93, 
96,97, 105, 106, 107, 108, 116, 

114, 120. 122, 123, 126, 128, 132, 

133- 

Magragree, James, 27; John, 59. 

Mahan. John. 105; William, 24, 46, 
45, 54, 67, 71, 77, 107, 122, 133. 

Maiden Farm, 17. 

Marsh. Benjamin, (of Sutton) 127; 
Rev. Mr., 59, 63. 70. 

Martin. William, 35, 36,45. 

Mayhew, Rev. Jonathan (of Martha's 
Vineyard) invited to preach in a 
probationary way, 74, 82. 

McFarland, Andrew, 14. 17, 30. 45. 
54, 56, 67. 71, 77, ni; James, 109 
William, 59. 61, 103. 131. 

McKonkey. Alexander. 17.24; James 
21. 

Meeting house, 32. 34, 41, 91. 98. 
114, 115. 123. I2tr. 

Miller, Isaac. 10. 12, 21; Isaac, Jun. 
16; Samuel. 124. 

Minister, a61ion of town on settle- 
ment, 70. 

^'!inisters invited to sup]ily Pulpit. 74 

Ministerial Lands. 15. 10. 34, 71. 76. 
80, 89. 97, 105, ic6. 115, 122. 



General Index. 



143 



Moore. Asa. 109, ill. 116. 120, 130, 
133; >>'•> yy^ isaac, 31. 38. 47, 54, 
56. 37, 67, 6S, 77; James, 12, l^, 

17. 20, 25. 31, 46, 52, 66. g6, 99, 
105, 107, 109. 112. 116. 120, 125. 
Joseph. 92, 102, 103; Nathaniel, 
9, 10. II. 14, 15. 16, 21, 23. 27. 28 
29- 30- 31- 40, 41- 44. 45- 49- 52. 
59. 63, 66. 72. 76, 77. 78. 84, 87. 
91, 113, 120. 123; Nathaniel, Jun. 

18, 21. 24, 30. 37. 48. 56, 59. 102. 
116; Reuben. 95, 112; Robert, 67 

Mower, John. 124; Jonathan. 135; 
Samuel. 31. 33, 42. 44. 46. 47> S^. 
54. 55. 56. 57. 77- 78, 81, 83. 84, 
90, 92. 95, 96. 98, 99. 102. 106. 
107, 109, 116; Samuel, Jun.. 67, 68 

N 

Newton. Abraham. 49. 

O 

Oliver. Lancelot, 103. 
Oxford. 37. 42. 127. 

P 

Paine. Tosiah, 109. 

Parker. Thomas, 17, 24, 27. 29. 30, 

33. 40. 45. 67. 82. 128. 
Parsonage and I>ands. So. 81. 85. 86. 

88. 90. 
Peables. Robert. 23. 
Pearce, Samuel, (of Holden) 129. 
Peirce. Josiah. I16, 122, 124. 131, 

133- 
Peters, Moses, 12S. 
Pews, action concernin:j, 63. 64. 98. 

100, 105. no. 
Philips, Rev. Mr., 63. 
Powder, to be kept in meetin<^ house 

steeple, 65. 
Prjitt. Phineas. 29. 
"Prospe6l Brook. 57. in. 



Public Lands, 71, 73, 81, 86, 91, 107 

129, 134. 
Pulpit, Supply of, 59, 63, 66. 68, 74. 
Putnam, James. 129. 

() 

Quarters or skirts of the town, 27, 30 

131- 

Quiggles, James, 133. 

R 

Raccoon Plain, 23. 

Ralston. Samuel. 35. 45, 53; Widow, 
70. 

Rams, regulations concerning, 10, 18 

Randall. Samuel. 128. 

Rattle Snakes, bounty for, 10, 18. 25. 
11, 46, .54, 67, 77, 92, 100. no. 
117, 125. 132; tails to be consumed 
to ashes, 10. 18, 73, 125; paid for, 
13. 14, 21, 27. 105, 107. loS, 113. 
120. 122. 1 28, 133; brought into 
town meeting and burnt. 73. 

Register of Deeds. 19. 68. 

Representative to General Court, 43. 

73- 
Rice. Absalom, 9. 18. 21, 24. 30, -i^-K. 
31;. 45, 77. 92. 99, 109. 128; Abi- 
sha. 21. 30. T,T,^ 40; Adonijah, 33, 
68. 71, 95, 99; Comfort, 124; Cy- 
rus, 116, 118; Eliakem, 9. 18. 21, 
30. 50, 52, 53. 56, 59, 62, 99. 109; 
Ensign, 21. 27. 55. 65, 66. 70; 
Ephraim. 14, 21. 24, 25, 27, 33, 50 
Cershom. 15, 41, 4S. 49, 66, 123. 
Cershom, Jun.. 15, 17, 31; Jeze- 
niah. 13. 46; Jonas, [his name ap- 
pears upon nearly every page in 
the book") Tonas, Jun., 21. 30, 54; 
Jonas, 3d. 131; Joshua. 104; Jo- 
siah, 48; Jotham, 21, 29, 30, 46; 
Matthias, 39,- 54; Phineas, 120; 
Samuel, 21, 27, 53, 121; Thomas. 



144 



Genei'al Index. 



14, 21, 27, 31, 40, 45, 46, 4S, 52, 

54, 57« 63, 120; Tirus, 17, 21, 2.5, 
27, 30, 42, 67, 77, yS, 81, 86, 92, 
93. 109, 120, 123, 130, 133, 135; 
Zebediah, 71. 

Richardson, Charles, 112, 127; Thom- 
as, 13, il-, 19, 45^ 56, 131- 

Rickey. John, 67, lib, 120. 

Roberts, John, 61, 130, 133. 

Rug, Joseph, 9, 30. 

Rutland, 79. 



Sawin, Stephen, 99, 102, 103, 124. 

Schools, 10, 14, 18, 21, 22, 23, 27, 
30, 40, 41, 50, 58, 60, 61, 70, 78, 
82, 98, 105, 113, 116, 120, 124, 
125, 128, 131, 133; to be free, 14; 
for the quarters, 14, 27, 98, 113, 
116. 

School houses, location of, 98, loi, 
. 123. 

School lands, 15. 28. 55. 81, 93, 134. 

Shrewsbury, 12, 16. 17, 77, 79. 

Shirley, Governor, 39. 

Small, Thomas, 108. 

Smalley. Rev. E., 52. 

Smith, EHsha, 9, 10, 22. 27, 30, 31, 
33, 40, 41, 42, 67. 74. 77, 78, 99. 
mo, I02. 124, 129; Elisha, Jun., 
45, 53, 60, 69, 99, 100, 131; Jacob, 
50, 61, 128, 133; John, 27, 61, 92, 
120. 

Southgate, Stewart, (of Leicester) 
119, 120. 

Spring. Nathaniel, 30, 40, 53, 61, 69. 

Springfield, 68. 

Spone, John. 82. 

Star, John, 19, 55, 57. 

Stearns, Ebenezer, 67, 82; John, 9. 
II, 12. 15, 17, 20.^24, 31, 72, 74. 
113; Jotham, 72, his widow to have 



needful care, 115, 120; Thomas, 
24, 31, 32, 40, 59, 66, 71, 76. 81, 
^3i 90> 92, 98, 99, 102, 104, 109, 
III, 116, 117, 122, 125, 135. 

Stevens, Benjamin, (ln.cv..'') 53,63,73 

Stocks and Pound, 120. 

Stone, Isaac, (of Shrewsbury) lO; 
Matthias, loi. 

Stone House Hill, 67, 77. 

Stowell, John, 46, 54, 37, 67, 133. 

Sutton, 29, T^i, 3&, 39, 42, 52, 120, 
127, 128. 

T 

Tappni, Mr., invited to preach, 6b. 
i atnian, jabe/;, 39, (ji; John, 14, 17, 

27, 01, 126; iNathaniel, 131. 
I'alnuck, 40, 47, 83. 
Taylor, James, 9, 12, 14, 15, I7; 0th- 

niel, 54, 55, 00, 01; William, (of 

Shrewsbury) 10. 
Temple, Joseph, 9, 13, 18, 24, 30, 60 

124; Robert, 71, 72. 
Thomas, bamuel, 14, 29, 30, 59, 103, 

104, 120. 
Thornton, James, t^^. 
Town Officers chosen, 9, 17, 24, 32, 

li^ 45' 53- 'J*^. 76, 92, 99, 109, "6 

124. 131. 
Townsend, Rev. Mr., 53, 59. 
Training Field, 134. 
Trowbridge. James, 37, 53. 94. 107, 

130. 
Tucker, Benjamin, (of Leicester) 119. 
Turin. Rev. Mr., (of Medford) 73. 
Tyler, Dodtor, 135. 

V 

Verry, Francis, 120. 
Verney. James, 50. 

W 

Waldo, Cornelius, 9, 17, 21, 36, 84, 



General Index. 



H5 



92, 100, 102, 104; Samuel. 36.- 52. 

Walley, Rev. Mr., (of Boston) 66. 74 

Wallise, Widow. 61. 

Ward. Daniel. 13. 14, 24, 25, 27. 30, 
32. 12,, 40, 50, 52, 56. 59. 63. 66, 
70, 76. 79, 82, 84, 85. 86, 88. 90, 
94, 95, 100. 105. 107. 113, 118. 123, 
124. 127, 128, 131 ; Ensign, 18. 21 
27; Jonas, 45. 53, 54. 67, 116. 118, 
131; Xahum. (of Slirewsbury) 16. 
34; Obediah. 14, 18, 30. 92. 121. 
124; Phineas, 116; Richard. 29,40 

Wheeler. Abraham, i'^. 59; Daniel, 
n6; -Moses, 70; Richard, 65; 
Thomas, 31, 32. y^, 37, 41, 42. 45, 
47,48. 49.^1, 53. 57, 59. 61, 68, 
81. 83. 86, 91, 94, 99, 106. no, 
III, 112, 113, 116, 119, 120, 123. 
124. 131. 

Whitefield, Rev. Mr., influence of. 

52- 
Whitmore. John, (of Leicester) 119. 
Whitney, James. 118, 128. 



WiJlard. Daniel, 27, 30, 40, 49; Doc- 
tor Xahum, 129, 133; Isaac. 133; 

Joseph. 124; J.. 39; Samuel. 34. 
Wigglesworth, Professor. 59, 63, 64. 
Williams. Mr., (of Lebanon) 68; 

Mr., (of Springlield) 68; Mr., (of 

Wallham) 73. 
Willington, Ebenezer. 30, 35, 60. 92. 

99. 109. 116. 124. 
Wiley, Joseph, 53. 61. 77. 9:^, 103, 

1 1 2. 1 2S. 
Windsor. 52, 87. 
Witheri)ee. Isaac. 27, 30, 40. 49, 60, 

128. 135. 
Wolves, encouragement for killing, 

25^ 33- 46. 54- 67, 77. 92, 100, no 

117. 125, 132. 
Woodard. James, 53; Jonas, 39, 46. 

48, 61, 69, 128. 

Y 

Young, David, 30, 35, 37, 40, 45, 53. 
94, 103; William, 73, 124, 129, 133 



I 



I 



.V.<. XIII. 



PROCEEDINGS 



-(((OF TIIEi)).- 



MoPfFstrp HoriFtg of JSnMqnitg, 



For The Year 



1880. 




WORCESTER, MASS. : 
PUB LI SHED BY THE SOCIETY, 

18.S1. 
U. S. A. CV. 



PROCEEDINGS 



•<((^0F THE))),- 



OToFrFsfFP ^ofiFtg of jSintiquitg, 



For The Year 



1880. 




AVORCESTER, MASS. : 
PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY. 

1S81. 
U. S. A. CV. 



?;-i^ 



o-^-Cv, 



AVORCESTER : 

PEESS OP CLARK JILLSON. 

1881. 



OFFICERS FOR 1881 



PRESIDENT, 

ELLERY BICKNELL CRANE. 

VICE-PRESIDENTS, 

ALBERT CURTIS, ALBERT TOLMAN. 

SECRETARY, 

HENRY LORLSTON SHUMWAY. 

TREASURER, 

JAMES ANDREW SMITH. 



LIBRARIAN, 

ALBERT ALFONZO LOVELL. 



Committees for 1881 



EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, 

ELLERY B. CRANE, ALBERT CURTIS, 

ALBERT TOLMAN, HENRY L. SHUMWAY, 

JAMES A. SMITH. 



STANDING COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS. 

FRANKLIN. P. RICE, for 1 year, 
CHARLES R. JOHNSON for 2 years, 
EDWARD R. LAWRENCE, for ;3 years. 



COMMITTEE ON BIOGRAPHY. 

HENRY L. SHUMWAY, REV. ALBERT TYEER 
PROF. ALFRED S. ROE. 



COMMITTEE ON PUULICATIONS. 



CLARK JILLSON, SAMUEL E. STAPLES, 

HENRY M. SMITH, FRANKLIN P. RICE. 



Departments of Work. 



ARCII.EOLOdY AXI) (iKNKRAL IIISTOKY. 

Charles U. .lolmson. Ileui-v F. Stethnan, I'veston D. Jones, 

William 11. liartleU. Israel Pluinmer, Isaac X. Metcalf, 

Alfred S Roe, Tlunnas ]M. Lamb, Ebeii F. Thompson, 

Franklin P. Kice, Charles A. jMorgan, Kllery 1>. Crane, 

Henry I). IJarber. lulward 11. Kice, Francis T. Blackmer, 

Henry Blauchard, James L. Esty, Cieorge W. riiillips, 

Thos. A. Dickinson, William L. Clark, Chas. F. Washburn, 

John \V. Brigham, Harvey B. Wilder, Charles. W Clark. 

LOCAL IIISrOllY AND GENEALOGY. 

p:ricry B. Crane. ]•:. H. Marshall, Albert Tyler, 

Thos'. E. Bartlett. Charles A. Chase. Henry M. Smith, 

Daniel Seagrave, James A. Smith, E|)hraim Tucker, 

Albert A. Lovell, E. K. Lawrence, Henry F. Donglas, 

Franklin P. Rice, \\illiam T. Harlow, Chas. 11. J. Donglas, 

H. H. Chaml)erlin. Benj. John Dodge, Albert Curtis, 

Clark Jillson, A. B. R. Sprague, W. 11. Bigelow, 

Ci'orge A. Jordan. Burton W. Potter. Renljen R. Dodge. 

AXl'IEXT :\L\Nrs('l{IlTS. PUBLICATIONS AND ENGllAVINGS. 

Clark Jillson, Edward 1. Comins. Henr^' L. Shiimway, 

Wm. B. Harding. Chas. B. Whiting, Theo. S. Johnson, 

All)ert Tyler, Chas. W, Estabrook, Samuel E. Staples, 

Augustus Coolidgc, Nathaniel Paine, Chas. W. Fenno, 

Merrick Bemis, Fisher A. Bosworth, Jolni Merrill, 

Charles C. Baldwin, Augustus E. Peck, (Jeorge Sumner, 

AlV)ert Tolman. John Cort. Addison Prentiss, 

William A. Smith, Reu1)en Colton, Edgar AY. AYarren, 

Theotlore C. Bates, Edwin Ames, Albert 1'. Marble. 

RELICS, COINS, AND CURIOSITIES. 

Henry Phelps, Olin L. INlerriam, Geo. E. Boyden, 

Richard O'Flynn, Augustus Stone, Pardon A, Lee, 

AYilliam P.. Howe, Joseph N. Bates, E. 11. Thompson, 

Nelson R. Scott, Alex. C. ]\lunroe, Theo. S. Johnson, 

George Sunnier, Norton L. Cook, Albert (x. Mann, 

Franklin C. Jillson. Edwin II. ]\Iarble, Stephen C. Earle, 

Jerome ^^'llc('l()ck. Frank J. Kiiinev. 



c 



iications d tlu ^mti\). 



No. 


I. 


No. 


II. 


No. 


III. 


No. 


IV. 



Proceedings for 1875-1877. 

Constitution and list of Officers, publish- 
ed with No. I. of Proceedings. 

Proceedings for 1877. 

Inscriptions from Old Burial Grounds in 
Worcester, published with No. III. of 
Proceedings. 

No. V. Proceedings for 1878. 

No. VI. Early Records of the Town of Worces- 
ter, Book I., 1722-1739. 

No. VII. Proceedings for 1879. 

No. VIII. Early Records of the town of Worces- 
ter, Book II. 1740-1753. 

No. IX. Records of the Proprietors of Worcester, 
Massachusetts, Part I. 

No. X. Records of the Proprietors of Worcester, 
Massachusetts, Part II. 

No XI. Records of the Proprietors of Worcester, 
Massachusetts, Part III. 

No. XII. Records of the Proprietors of Worcester, 
Massachusetts, part IV. 

No. XIII. Proceedings for 1880. 



PROCEEDINGS 



TTTT7TTTTTTTTTTTTTTVTTTTTTTTTTTTTTVTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT1 



PROCEEDINGS 



For 1880. 



4,^a^s^^ 



rnJiK Annual Meeting of The Worcester Society of 
1 Anti([uity ^vas held at its Library room, Tuesday 
evening, January 0th, LSSO, — the President in the 
chair. Tlie Secretary being absent, Albert A. Lov- 
ell Avas chosen Secretary pro tcni. The President 
tluMi delivered his Annual Address, as follows: — 

A I) 1) IJKSS. 

('I'ii'Ipiiii'II nf llic iro/V7'.s7('/- S/jcii'/i/ of ^liitiqiiit)/ : 

( )n nssiiiiiiiiii' the (liitics nml ri'sponsihilitics of tlic {jositioii 
with wliicli I have bi'cii lioiioi't'd hy flic iiiKiniinous vote of* The 
V.'oi'cester Society of Aiiti(]uity, 1 cannot fail to express my 
,<:rntitu(h> to each and I'very nieinliei'. lor the continuance of such 
IViendly relations, after a year's service as presidini;' ollicer. 

Aithouiih entering' upon duty at the l)eninniu<2,' of another year, 
we ar(- ncjt calleil upon to lake n|» any new l)urden or hiy down 
till' one we already l)car. Oui' mission is not one that chan<ji,"es 
wiili the .-easons. When we lieconie wear\- with the lahor it 



10 

imposes and seek other employment s, the phices we leave will 
be filled l)y zeulous laborers from a new generation; bnt tbe 
corner stone laid by onr hands will continue to support the 
superstructure, though the sound of the builder's hammer may 
ring through its arches for centuries to come. 

"Oh, that a man might know 

The end of this day's business ere it comes." 

The members of this Society have been attracted hither be- 
cause of their interests in the objects, aims and purposes set 
forth in the card of invitation issued Jan. 21, 1.S75, to only four 
persons, inviting them to meet at a private house for consultation 
relative to establishing an association for "the rescue and pres- 
ervation of such historical matter as might otherwise be lost." 

This modest proposition had for its vital force the spirit of 
determined and unyielding perseverance. It did not imply the 
formation of a society whose members shouhl carelessly stand 
beside some beautiful river, gazing with rni-ture upon the mov- 
ing waters bearing onward and out of sight the records and the 
reUcs of entombed generations, without a struggle or an etibrt to 
rescue the vanishing treasures except such as might be stranded 
at their feet ; but it did intimate that the tide should be watched, 
the waters arrested in their course, if need be. and the golden 
threads of perishing history industriously gathered up aii.l woven 
into available fabric bearing the impress of this Society's seal, 
and dedicated to coming generations. From tliat hour to the 
present we have employed such means and measures as came 
within our reach to assist the historian and genealogist in their 
researches at some future day. 

We were fortunate in adopting a name so unitiue and expres- 
sive as to attract attention outside of Worcester. AVe were 
fortunate in adopting a plan for the preservation of our liistory 
as a i^)cietv, and tlie history of our oWn laliors to make it val- 
uable to the public. We were fortunate in obtaining a membei- 
ship composed of earnest and intelligent workers in l!ie line ol 
our profession, and we have been highly favored by the contri- 
butions they have bestowed upon us as well as I'or their devotu-n 
to the gencTal interests of the Society. We were foitunale in 
commencing our labors in the same locality with liie Ainerieau 



11 

Anti()ii;iri:iii Society, niid in tlu' ciijovinciil of tlic u'ood will of its 
iiu'inbers. W'v nic uikKt special oltligtitions to Hon. Stephen 
Salishurv, President of that Society, for words [jiiblicly si)oken 
in our lit'hali". \\'e are alsf5 indebted to Stephen Salishnry Jr. 
and Albert Cnrlis, Ks(]rs. I'or tht'ir unsolicile<l snbstantial aid, 
and also for the active inteicst they have repeatedly expressed 
in our work and wellare. 

"The fi'ieiuls thou hast, and their adoption tried, 
(Jrapple them hy tlie soul with hooks of steel." 

()i!r nienibei'ship inu.".t ol' necessity be limited, on account of 
our [x'culiar eni[)loyinent. Laborers are always plenty where 
the compensation is ample and the labor light; but deeds ol' 
charity and all labor for the beiiclit of mankind, under u promise 
to i)ay in I'uture I'csults, has always been pt'ri'ormed b^- those 
acting under the special direction of a most liberal inspiration. 

When we tui'u b.-u-k to the close of the lirst year ol" our exist- 
ence and lind that we liad but twelve membi'rs, and again on 
the 2d day of -lanuaiy. In77, when we had a membi'i'ship of only 
tliirtv. will) no i-egidar place of meeting ;iiid no library set apart 
fro.n 1;K' private colhv.'tiosr; of (Mir lueuibers, it is not strange 
that we IVt'l encoi;rag<-d ijy our i)i'osperity duiing the last two 
yeai's, considering that we had no inducement to present foi' 
pniilic Ol' private lecogiiition, except the possible I'uture culmina- 
tion of oui' uiiited elforts and the uncertain fruition of our hopes. 
]>ut v,e have pass(-d the lirst critical -point in our existence, and 
it is not inconsistent with t!ie harmonies of legitimate progression 
tiial we now find so many thinking men seeking admission to 
the attraclivi' (iclds in which we have chosen to labor, the bound- 
aiies of which are constantly growing broader, and the entire 
area more beautiful by reason of every \Yorthy tliought ollered 
as a conl ribution. 

On the second day oCJanuary, 1S77, our Librarian reported 
se\en entries under the head of '•tUjuations," for the year 1<S7(), 
and the Treasui't i' had received live dollars and paid out four. 
We had issued no publications ; l)ut Charles K. Johnson V.sq. 
and Mr. ElleVy 1>. Crane had read interesting papers Avliieh have 
since been printed. On the second day of October, l'S77, our 
firs! meeting was held in this room, and some of the members 



12 

were inclined to think it too large for present nse. It is now 
not only well filled with nsel'nl material, but so much crowded 
that we shall soon be obliged to occup}- another room. We have 
a librar}' of 1325 bound volumes, 4342 pamphlets and a valuable 
collection of manuscripts, relics, coins and curiosities. We have 
[)rintcd and in press more than 1000 octavo pages, embracing a 
variety of sulyccts other than our regular proceedings, whicli 
have been of such a character as to attract the attention, not 
only of persons specially interested in antiquarian research, but 
of the general reader ; and I)}' virtue of these i)ub]icati()iis we 
luive become widely and favorably known. 

Our relations with other societies arc of the most friendly 
character, and their ollicers have in numerous cases exliil)ited a 
worthy generosity in our behalf. The courtesy extended to our 
able and efficient Librarian, Mr. Albert A. Lovell, while attend- 
ing the convention of the American Library Association held in 
Boston last summer, b}- E. M. Barton Esq. of the American 
Antiquarian Society, deserves to be gratefully rememlx'rcd. 

On the loth day of July last. Rev. Silas Ketchum, then Tresi- 
dent of the New Hampshire Antiquarian Society, made the fol- 
lowing remarks in his Annual Address : — 

"At the time this Society was formed it 'vvas the only one in America with 
a plan of equal scape, and proposing the same methods of opera tic)n. But, — 
following in the line of eiideavor we had marked out, — with such deviations 
as to limits and modus operandi, as the differing circumstances seemed to 
demand, ovu- worthy friend here, judge Jillson, our orator for to-day, with 
other- gentlemen in and around Worcester, formed in 1875 The Worcester 
Society of Antiquity, ixncler the general laAvs of Massachusetts. On my re- 
turn from Salem to Connecticut last autumn, I took occasion to acc('])t an 
invitation to visit their rooms in Worcester. 

I received from the officers of the society the most courteous attention ; 
was shown their library and collections, and many ol^jects of historical in- 
terest in the city, 'they have made an excellent hcginning; and in an 
especial manner have shown their wisdom by publishing regularly their pro- 
ceedings as well as other valuable historical documents, and are in a very 
prosperous condition. 

It is a source of additional gratification to me that I am alilc, in your pres- 
ence, to shake hands with the only other president of a similar (U-ganization 
in the country, and to pledge to him ovir cordial fraternal regard and con- 
tinued co-operation in the work so bravely undi'rtal^cu and so successfully 
carried on, by the society he represents." 



1 had the honor of (Iclivt'iiiiu- the auiuial address bclbre the 
New Hampshire AuUijuariaii Society on the loth of July last, 
and of i'eceivini>- the hosjjitality of its meiubers and their friends. 
llospitaUty in New iianipsliire means something' more tlian com- 
mon [)oliteness. and makes an iny.iression as histing as the ma- 
terial n[)on which it is ma(te. 

The piili'iications ol'lhat .-^K-iety are curiosities, and wlioever 
obtains a copy ivill have the l)est kind of an excuse lor making 
a will. The society has the l)est collection of implements used 
on the farm and in the household one hundred years ago, repre- 
senting New Kngland life in i-arly times, that can bo found in 
tliis country. I take the liberty to extend the thanks of The 
Worcester Society of Anti(]uity to tlu' New Hampshire Antiqua- 
rian Society, for its generous recognition of our humble clforts. 

Most of the societies organize<l for i)ur})oses similar to our 
own, started with a lil)raiy or a fund, main- of them w^ith both, 
while we were oliliged to enter upon oui' mission without either. 
But considei'ing what we Inae accomjilished, it will do no harm 
if every memlier. separately, should feel grateful to all, collect- 
ively, that we ai'c not burdened with a debt at the i)resent time. 

Hut this financial success is due to the libcrnlity of two mem- 
])ers. and the rest of the society can only claim that they have 
inade a lecord worthy of such favor. We' need and ought to 
have a fund, the income of which would be suilicient to render us 
substantial assistanci; in the prosecution of our work, which con- 
sists mainly in collecting and preserving Ujcal history. But this 
cannot be expected till wt' show by absolute results that our 
society is. and is to be. a penn.-ineiit institution for the jjublic 
good. Our perpetuity, in my opinion, is already established, 
and. considering wjiat we have already accomi)lishcd, it must. 
:ippear that oui- ability to do good in the future will de[)end 
largely upon what we have to work with. Our donations of 
books have been i|uite e\tcnsive, as shown liy the Librarian's 
I'epoi't, but there is no iiu-ome from books. Their custody and 
pi'esei'\ation retjuirc constant eN[)ense which can only Ik; met, 
as wi' ai-e now situated. I»y .Hssessment. Our princii)al and most 
imi)oitant work. — that of collecting and preserving local his- 
tory. — if [iropcrly lioiu', is not only dillicult but expensive ; and 



14 



this generation is not likely to pay what it costs. In ^'iew of 
these facts it becomes important for us as a society to do Avhat 
we can pa}' for and no more. 

If, b}' pursuing this course, we are able to merit and receive 
the patronage of those who are able to render pecuniary assist- 
ance, our measure of usefulness ma}' be much enlarged and tlie 
public thereby benefited. But we are not to wait for wind-falls, 
nor turn aside from such duty as our humble means will |)erniit 
us to perform. We have many encouragements, one of the most 
important l^eing the class of men who seek admission t(j our 
ranks. They are not such as would join us (-ut of curiosit}' or 
for some purpose foreign to our cause, but all seem to be inter- 
ested and earnest in the advancement of our labors. Those who 
have visited our meetings, b}' invitation or otherwise, have ex- 
pressed their approval of our work. All these things serve to 
stimulate us to more determined action, and to call forth our best 
efforts in a cause that meets such a hearty response in the midst 
of an intelligent community. 

At most of our regular meetings during the past year this So- 
ciety has been honored l\y the presence of a remark:d)le mnn 
from a generation previous to our own, now in his SSth year, — 
a man whose example in the christian ministry, in the social 
circle and in private life, has had an unmistakable influence for 
good throughout this Commonwealth, — a man whose hand the 
older members of this society have often seen directing tlie issue 
in behalf of human freedom, standing as it were in the li.-ilo ol' 
approaching liberty and light, the prayerful, judicious, liut per- 
severing prompter of patriots and statesmen ; and wlieii Alii-.-i- 
ham Lincoln had been persuaded to inscribe '•'■Liherty" u[)()ii tlie 
brows of four millions of slaves, a vote of than.ks was due from 
the American people to Rev. (ieorge Allen, of W'orcestci'. 

"It shall be said his jud^nn'iit ruled our hands." 

Town history is made valuable Ity an imi)nrtial recital o!" tlic 
personal efforts and achievments of those persons who liave sac- 
rificed their private interests for the public good. The ])()litic:il 
and religious partizan finds a set-off in some other person of llic 
same sort, and l)oth do tlieii- best to rendei- themselves woiHiy 



15 

to Ik' tri'iitcd :is "iiiikiiowu (luaiitities." Only those who iin- 
coiisciously (lispl.nv the Itroiul impulses ol" a <;('iicrous nature arc 
worthy to l)e i)hu'e(l ujjoii ii'ccjrd. It is not of so uuich inii)ort- 
ance to know tliat "there Hved a man," as it is to latliom liis mo- 
ti\-es, (liseover and nppreciaU' Ids licnius, and become eonvinced 
thai he was his own leader, and so far as human ageney goes, 
thi' IVaiuer of" Iiis own destiny. 

I'nU'ss we can say or ch) sometiiing tlial lias never l)elbre been 
said or done, or imi)r()ve ni)()n what others have expressed b}' 
aet or word, the spaee ws oeeu[)y would be of more value unin- 
cam!)ered. I do not mean to say that only those are useful 
who make an undue display of their (lualities in trying to exalt 
themselves al)ove their fellows, for such are only a liindrance to 
those quiet workers wdiose go(jd deeds culminate in the lives of 
other men. The rich and popular inventor seldom spends his 
time in trying to discover how many of the ideas embodied in 
his patent claims came from the suggestions of some workman 
of the most humble sort. The simple and unpretending effort 
tif ,Ioel I). Stratton. wlicn he accosted John ]>. (Jough with the 
words, "You have i)een drinking; why do you not sign the 
|)l('du-.' ?" g:ivc Mr. (iough the first imjiulse to pursue a most 
wop.deri'iil carcei' for the benelif of mankind. IjutJoelD. Strat- 
ton would have lieen entirely forgotten had it not been for the 
generous iiatnri' of j\Ir. (iough. -wliose gratitude for that act of 
kindness has been so often publicly expressed. Fi'om such cau- 
ses let lis iearn a lesson. They :ipl>iy to the business we have 
in hand. 

There are l>iit few who uiuh'rstand aggregates, except those 
who lia'.-e been familiar with the details of which they are made, 
A thousand small things, each insignificant in itself may, when 
combined, become of the iitinosl importance. The coml)ination 
of liistoiical facts in such form as to make a continuous narra- 
tive of town Ol- country. einbcHished with romance growing out 
of actual occurences, would be a lalior worth}' of our attention; 
and the smaller the items with which we deal tlu' more interest- 
ing to the general public would be the result of our labors. 

That class of liistor\ made up of [lopular and notorious occur- 
rences will take care of itself. Tlu' noisy politician and the 



16 



brawling fanatic will occupy all the space the}- deserve in the an- 
nals of their time ; and it becomes our dut^' to see that those 
who are silent as to their own merits are not crowded out by them. 
It is a part of our dut}' to speak for those who do not speak 
for themselves, and to place upon record the silent and unobtru- 
sive lives of some who occupy humble and obscure positions. 
Even charity loses its virtue in applause ; but silence makes it 
worthy the approval of an enlightened conscience, and impresses 
upon it the divinity of unselfishness. 

"Greatness lies ins phered in silence, littleness to sound is stirred ; 

All the grandest things in Nature never have been seen or heard. 
Proving down by printless logic all the science of the school, 
Silence is the law of being, sound, the breaking of the I'ule. 
Let thy soul walk softly in thee, as a saint in heaven unshod, 
For to be alone with silence is to be alone with God." 

But I must not occupy j'our time with a statement of my opin- 
ion as to your duty. The name of our society, -^its purposes 
set forth in the constitution — the charactei' of its j)resent mem- 
bers, and the collections we see around us are all emblematic of 
our mission and cannot be misunderstood by any person of suffi- 
cient intelligence to become a member. We must not become 
discouraged because so many discoveries have already been 
made, but continue the good work so l)ravely liegun by others. 

The student of Nature is not crowded in his sphere of action 
by men of genius. There is room for all thought, a field for all 
labor. The globe upon which we dwell has undoubtedly been 
the abode of man lor millions of years, and far beneath its j^res- 
ent surface lies the most substantial evidence of pre-historic 
civilization, of an order not inferior to that of the present day. 
The wonderful ruins of Central and North America, where tem- 
ples and obelisks have perished ])y the endless decay of time, 
and the tangled roots of trees, the growth of a thousand years. 
now encircle the altars of remote and unknown generations, will 
stimulate the student of antiquity to more thorough research and 
new discovery. Already great cities, once standing at an alti- 
tude of 5000 feet above the ocean, where ai-chitecluri^ sculpture, 
painting, and all the arts reqidred to adorn civilized life lia\e 
been found overgrown with ancient forests. The men wlio rcnred 
those massive structures, designed and executed tlicii- elnboi-ite 



niloi'iiinciits. haw pei'lslu'd Inn iiiti' no rccoid luit the fold stones 
n[)on which thev cawed the dialect and emblems of their genera- 
tions, and their memory lias vanisiie(l with the dying centuries. 
Tlu' streets tlien trod liy a -Imsy multitude ha\t' been silent 
through iiundreds of lingering decades. i^xtensivc marts of 
trade, where the voice of industry and the strife of business 
liaye eyidently bin-n iK-ard foi' <-enturies. are now a mass of dis- 
jointed ruins, with no liistory to connect them with any known 
race of human beings. 

"W'licrc Senates mice the weal of nations planned, 
liisselli the i;li(linn- snake thii)Ui;h hoary weeds, 
'fhat elasp the inonlderini;- eolninns." 

It is to be regretted that cities* on tiiis continent, beautiful 
us any that eyer stocxi on the lianks of the Nile, should thus be- 
<*ome desolate and beyond the reacli ol' record. But what shall 
we say of oiir own city whose history, as now written, is but a 
mere skt'tcli, indeiiiiite and superlicial ? 'I'he unwritten early 
history of AVorcester is as thoroughly obscure as that of Copan. 

When Saiuiii'l Allen. Silas IJarber, Benjamin Butman, Lewis 
C'iiapin, James Campbell. Abel ;iud iienjamiu Flagg, William D. 
Fenn(j. Ira .Mtd-'arhmd. Asa and Leyi ( iates, AVilliam P^. and 
.lohn (Jreeii. .bihn illeason, lleiiry Haywood. William Harring- 
ton, .lohn .lo!i;'s. Cyrus and David Lo\ell, Levi iNIoore, Ilenr}' 
r.irker and Luther \\hite die(l. ^■ohlUles of ungathered material 
relating to our own local history, passed beyond the restoration 
of human icsenrch. Tln'se men wt-re all born in "Worcester })re- 
vious to the |)iesent century, and were all living here in 1<S(J2, 
one as late as ISTi). Ivich one knew more about Worcester 
than has vwv lieen written or printed. The lives of their fathers 
eovered the entiii' period of the re\olntion. the tlu'illing I'omancc 
of which had lieen so often reheai'sed in their presence by the 
veterans of the wai\ Their cotemporaries are dead, with but a 
single exception. t The t radit ions of their ;iiicestors can nevei 
be rei)eattMl. The golden link between Xlw present and remote 
generations has Ikhmi seyered. I'he last lire-side tale of "y'' old- 
en time" has fad'd from the memory of the living, and histoiy 
furnishes no sul»stantial rcliel". 



* Copan, Monta„'na and ralen<|ne, in Central America, f Rev. Geo, Allen. 



18 

Let us draw a line at this point, and resolve to-night that Tlic 
Worcester Society of Antiquity sliull i)\)eu a new hook and write 
upon its pages the histor}' of current- events. Let us rely no 
longer upon tradition, nor trust the public records to be kept liy 
a single cop3\ The work now lieing done In- Mr. Rice and INIi". 
Lovell under the authority of this Societ}-, involving the i^uldica- 
tion of the ancient public records of the town, is of the greatest 
importance ; and yet the City Council and the j^eople are not 
unwilling that these gentlemen should perform this lal)or williout 
compensation. It is true that the records of Worcestei' have 
been preserved for more than 1 ")() years since the town was or- 
ganized with only a single copy in exisience ; but the records 
of, the Old South church, of equal value, have been stolen ['nun 
the archives. Had they been printed and placed in various li- 
braries as have recently been the town records, Worcester would 
have been deprived of one historical blemish. 

The character of our proceedings and [)ublications for l.sT'J 
are not inferior to those of former years, and the whole when 
bound together, will contain moi'e local history, heretofore un- 
written, than can be found in any similar publication ever issued 
in this county. But all we have thus far accomjilished as a So:- 
eiety has been the result of constant labor, the performance of 
which we eheerfuUv accept as our reward. 



It' was voted that John E. Rupsell Esij. of Leices- 
ter be invited to read his paper entitled "The project 
of an Inter-Oceanic Canal," at the next regnlar meet- 
ing, and that Mr. H. H. Chamberlin be invited to 
read a paper at the monthly meeting in March. 

On motion of Mr Staples, a vote of thanks was 
extended to the President, Hon. Clark Jillson, for 
his able address, and that a copy 1)e i'e(|nested for 
publication with the proceedings ol the Society. 



19 

The next rcLiuhn- iiieutiiiji; was lield Tuosdax- exa- 
nuiix, Feb. ■'), l'S8(), and Messrs. Clark Jillsoii, Crane 
Staples, Comins, F. C. Jillson, Dickinson, Lamb, 
Cook, Sunnier, Peck, J. A, Smith, Marsiiall, Dodge 
und Lovell were present. 

At this meeting John E. Russell Es(p, ol" Leicester, 
complied with the invitation extended to him, and 
read a carefully prepai'ed paper on "The project of 
a.n Liter-Oceanic Canal," for connecting the waters 
of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, in which he con- 
sidered the obstacdcs to be overcome in the event of 
the work being undertaken, and advocated the en- 
forcement of the "Monroe Doctrine," by the United 
States should tlie enterprise l)e under the control of 
European Powers. The sulrject was al)ly presented 
and commanded earnest attention. On motion of 
Mr. Dodge, the thanks of the Societ>' were tendered 
Mr. Russell for his valuable and interesting paper. 

Marcli 2, 1<SS(), the Society convened at the usual 
place, and in the al)sence of the President, \' ice-Presi- 
dent E. B. Crane occupied the chair. Other mem- 
bers pi'esent were, Messrs. Staples, Stone, Shumway, 
Lamb, Esty, Dodge, Marshall, J^helps, Mann, Potter, 
Chamberlin, Chas. R. Johnson, Tucker, Lawrence, 
Rice, Cook and Jas. A. Smith. There were also 
])resent Rev. (Jeorge Allen and Dr. ])ean Towiie. — 
Rev. Silas Ketchum of Windsor, Conn., was elected 
an Honorary member, and Hon. Charles Adams Jr. 
of North Rrooklield, C. R. Tilliughast, of Boston, 
Lieut. Ered. G. Hyde, U. S. Navy, of Oxford, and 



20 

Rudolph Garrigue, of Morrisaiiia, N. Y., were elect- 
ed CoiTesjDonding members, and Addison Prentiss of 
Worcester, an active member. Interesting letters 
were read bj the Secretary, from Henry B. Dawson 
Esq., Morrisania, N. Y., and R. Crawford, Corre- 
sponding Secretary of the Pocumtuck Valley Memo- 
rial Association, Deerlield, Mass. Mr. Henry H. 
Chamberlin, not having completed the paper he de- 
signed to present at this meeting, read instead, a 
sketch of the life of Dr. Schlieman, which was lis- 
tened to M'ith much interest by all present. Inter- 
esting remarks upon the subject of the ])aper were 
made by Burton W. Potter Es(|., Chas. R. Johnson 
Esq., Rev. George Allen and Dr. Dean Towue. The 
thanks of the society were tendered to Mr. Chanil)er- 
lin for liaviug favored the Societ}^ with the re;uliug 
of his paper. 

As previously announced, Mr. John E. Russell of 
Leicester, repeated his lectui-e upon ''The project of 
an Inter-Oceanic Canal," under the auspices of the 
Society, at Lyceum Hall, on Tuesday evening, March 
5, to a large and intelligent audience. At the close 
of the lecture the speaker was heartily congra.tulated 
upon the matter it contained and the manner of its 
delivery. An adjourned meeting of the Society was 
held at the usual place, March 1), 1880, Vice-Presi- 
dent Crane in the chair. There were pi'esent at this 
meeting, Messrs. Crane, Rice, Marshall, Lee, Staples, 
Lamb, Dickinson, Cook, Sliumway, F. C. Jillson, J. 
A. Smith, Scott, Sunnier, Lovell, and thirtx-eiglit 



1>1 

otliers 1)_\' iiivilaiioii. 'V\\v rollowiiiL:- ix'soliitioii ^\■;ls 
iiiianiiiiousl V ;i(l()i)ted : — 

Jt'csd/rcil. 'I'linl llic iin'iiil)crs oT'l'lic V-.'orct'sU'r Socii't y ofAu- 
tiiiiiily desire to phicc on record tlicir ;ii)i)i'rci;itioii ol" llic v;ilii- 
nliU' s(M'\ic(vs i-(Mi(lcr('(l this Society, by Joiiii E. Russell lvs(|.. of 
Leif;'sler, niid that we I'eel truly uratei'ul to liini Ibi' the very 
ii'cucrous aud uiauly cotiilesies so repi'ateilly extended towards 
us. always doin^ honor to our Association. 

At (Ills iiieetinjj;', l»v invitjilioii, Liciit. Krcd. (J. 
livdo, U. S. N;i\v, of Oxfoi'd, Mass., ;i Coi'respond- 
iiiii' iiR'iid)er of the Society, read a- ])apei' entitled 
''Lite on an American Maii-ol'-Wai', and observations 
in foreign ports," in wliicii he gtive ;> liistory of a two 
year's cruise in ti)(! Fhig-ship, Hartford, to various 
South American })orts, which was a ver}- interesting 
narrative, and [iresenled in a most ha})py mtmner, for 
whicli a vote ol"t!iaid\H was extended by the Societ}^ 

The next regiihir meeting w;is held Tucsda\- eve- 
ning, April G, 1S(S(), at which IJon. Clark Jillson 
pi-esided. There were thirteen mend)ers })i'esent. 
Mr. (Jharles B. Knight wtis elected a mend)er of the 
Society, and Mr. Edward II. Rice was translerred 
from the Active to the Corresponding list, tit his own 
re(|uest. The last conununictition from Rev. Silas 
Ketchum, of Windsor, Conn., acknowledging and 
accepting his election as Honorary member of The 
Worcester Society of Anti(jiiit3^, was retid at this 
mc^eting. 

The Liltrarian made his report for the month, 
showing mail}- vtiluable additions to the library and 
collections of the Societ\-. The thanks of the Society 



22 

were voted to Mrf Samuel H. Putnani for an elab- 
orate Pen-and-ink sketch, the work of Mr. Jacob 
Kohlmann, a blacksmith by trade;, now deceased. 

A regular meeting of the Society was held Tues- 
day evening, May 4, and there were present Clark 
Jillson, Crane, Staples, F. C. Jillson, F. P. Rice, 
Lovell, Seagrave, Chamberlin, C. R. Johnson, T. S. 
Johnson, Scott, Lee, Dodge, Sumner, Lamb, Tol- 
man, Shumway, Marsliall, Dickinson, Cook, Comins 
Lawrence, Esty, Merriam, Potter, J. A. Smith, Rev. 
George Allen, Joseph Lovell and E. M. Barton. 

Hon. Clark Jillson then formally announced the 
death of Rev. Silas Ketchum, one of our Honorary 
members, and presented the following 

M E M O Pv I A L AD I) K 1^: S S . 



We are agaiu reiniiided of the uncertainty of luunan lile. Ity 
the sudden and unexpected death of one of our most respected 
Honorary members. Rev. Sihis Ketchum, pastor of the second 
Congregational Church in Windsor. Conn., died Saturday morn- 
ing, April 24th, 1880, at IJoston, in tlu' Dorchester District, 
at the residence of his friend, Rev. Ihirlan P. Gage. 

Sihis Ketcluim was born in Barre. ^'t., December Itii. \s:]',. 
On his father's side lie was (U'scended from (Jov. William I>i ad- 
ford, and on his mother's from Edward Doty, l)oth of whom 
were passengers in the Maytlower. When he was sixteen ycnrs 
of age his father removed to lloijkinton, X. 11.. wliere Sihis 
worked at the shoemaker's trade till his father's death in 18')r>. 
He had long cherished :i desire to ol)tain an education, and soon 
after his father's deatii enlered llopkiulou Academy where he 
remained two terms, when lie coinmciiccd Icachiug school, the 



sniiic hc'iiiu iiiH-('ss:ii-y !'<>i' his siqjpoil. He t;nmlit ill I lopkiiitoii 
,\i"i(U'iii\ . ;iii(! in A inlici'st s«i(l Nelson. While he \v;is employ- 
ed in t(';i('hiiiu' his entire time oaU'of sehoo! hoiii's was devoted 
\u iittinii' hinisell" lor colleu'e. In \x'>^ he was prepaied to enter 
Darlmotith. hut sickness preAcnted. and ior two years Uv slnd- 
ii'di under private instructors. durin;j,' which time \\c became I'a- 
miiiar with the Fi'euclu Spanish and Italian lauuuaii'es. 

( )u the (1th day of A|>rih jsiid he was married to (ieorii'ia C. 
dauuiiter of I'.lhriduc ilardy., of Amherst. N. li.. a youiiu' lady 
of tine education and ciillure. who has lieen ahle lo render her 
husliaud ;icce|it;diK' scr\ ice in his lil(^iary ialiors. During the 
same year lie entered llanuor Theoloiiical Seminai'y, and while' 
pursuinu' his studies suppoitcil himself and wife l»y labor at- his 
trade, missiu<i' but one recitation diniii;^ the ihree years he was 
there. I h' Li'raduate(l in !>(;;;. and witiiout takiui;- any time foi' 
I'est or recreation, commence(| preachiuu' at W'ardsboro, \'t., in 
Deeembei' of that 3 ear. 

IIis;pleasinu' address, his sincerity and undoubted ability, made 
him populai' amoni;' all classt's ; an<l durinu' his sta_\ of twenty- 
oire months his cougi'ei^ation was increased more than two hun- 
dre<l [)ei' ei'Ut . lie next remox'ed to lirattleboi'o. wliei'e he be- 
came one ()<■ til" e(!it()is of the \'ermont A\'eekly ami Semi- 
Weekiy JJeeoi'd. and the N'ei'mont School Journal. 

In Noxcmber, l^tili. he was calleii to the <'liurcli in liristol, 
?•,'. II.. where he iaboii^d more lluin i-iiiht years with great .sue- 
<H'ss. lie was ordained Sept. 17tli, l'-(i7. lie I'corganized the 
schools of Bristol, and under his direction they were graded and 
made more ellieient and practical. I le exhiliite(l a deep interest 
in the e(lucaiion of young persons !bi the learned professions; 
and being an acti\e member of the Siatt' Teacher's Association, 
he tectui'c^d on educational tojiics throughout the State. 

He was a pi'omin<Mit member of the Masonic order, and was 
Chaplain of the (ii'and Lof.lge of New IIami)shirt' from 1<S7! to 
l-i7.'>. His address eiititU'd ■•Historic Alasoniy ," <lelivered a-t 
the inst.allatiou of the ollicers of rnion Lodge in the town hall, 
rj|'ist(il, Feb. I. ls7."). is a document worthy of perusal. It con- 
tains some of the finest sentiments e\ei' uttei'ed in behalf of nia- 
.•■«)nrv, and whoever reads it will obtain moi'e light by the peru- 
sal. In his closing st'iitence he says. ••The only true iiass to 



24 

respectiibilit}', in Masoniy or out of it, is to be respectable." 

In 1875, on account of failing health, he resigned his position 
at Bristol and went to Maplewood, Maiden, Mass., where his 
labors were comparatively light. He left Maplewood in October, 
1870, Avith imi>aired health and but little hope of complete 
recover}-. From the 15th of Julv, 1877, he preached in the 
second Congregational church in Windsor, Conn., till a short 
time before his death. For many years he was an industrious 
collector of ancient, rare and curious books, and his knowledge 
of that class of literature was ver^' extensive. He was a great 
reader ; and I was told in Hopkinton last summer that when he 
was attending school there, it was his custom to read on his way 
to and from school, which led some to think his zeal outran his 
judgment, but his success in after life proved that both wei-e 
under proper control. 

He contributed to the New Hampshire Historical Society 512 
volumes; to the New Hampshire Antiquarian Society 1200 vol- 
umes and 3000 pamphlets ; to the American Congregational 
Society, Boston, 552 volumes, and several volumes and relics 
to The Worcester Society of Antiquit}'. He was a member of 
all these societies and man}- others. He took a deep interest in 
securing the old home of Daniel Webster for the New Hampshire 
Orphan's Home, and became a life member of that institution. 

He delivered the Annual Address before the New Hampshire 
Historical Society in 1877, being then a corresponding member. 

In 1878 he became a member of the New England Historic 
Genealogical Society-, and corresponding member of the New 
York Historical Society. He was also a member of the Prince 
Society, Boston, and an honorary member of The AVorcester 
Society of Antiquity. 

The Philomathic Club from which sprung the New llam|ishiri' 
Antiquarian Society, was organized on the 19th of Nov., 1S5!), 
three persons only, Silas Ketchum, Darwin C. Blnnchanl and 
George E. Crowell, being present. On the 19th (jf Nov.. 1n7.'5. 
the Club was transformed into the New Hampshin^ AnticjuMrian 
Society. Silas Ketchum was Corresponding Secretary, in ls7o- 
4-5, and President in l87()-7-8. This Society was the pride of 
his life, and he the corner stone of the Society. The loss to tliat 
organization, caused by his death, will be perpetual. 



25 

Mv. Ivetcliuin nas a wrilcr of unusual nieril. :uul was ein[)loy- 
0(1 for several years by [)ul)lishing houses in New York and Bos- 
ton as a reviewer. His essays and oilier writings have been 
luuch admired for llieir siini)Heily and heauty of expression. 

His publications are, A Farewell Discourse, AVardsboro, \'t., 
ISi;.") : Historic iMasonry, An Address, Bristol, 187:5: History 
of the IMiiloniathic Club, liristol, IS?.'); Eulogy on Henry \\"\\- 
son, Maiden, IsyC; Diary of the Invasion of Canada by tlie 
American Army in 1772, Contoocook, lS7(i ; Special Geogra- 
l)hy of New Ilampshii'c, New York, l.s77: J'aul on Mars Hill, 
Ancient \Mndsor, l<S7i». He was [)rei)aring histories of the 
Kelchum and Doty families, and a Dictionary of New Hamp- 
shire Biogra[)hy. During the last lour years i\Ir. Ketcluun has 
completed more tiian 1000 biograpliical sketches, and collected 
material for "iOOO more. This great work is still unlini.shed, and 
is lialtle to lemain so for years, perhaps forever. 

Such is a brief outline of the labors of an industrious worker, 
recounting only those of a public character. His work as a 
student, as a pastor, as an anti(]uarian and [)hilanthropist have 
l)(>en so extensive as to fretiuently astonish his friends and cre- 
ate alai'm in tlieir minds as to whether he would long be able to 
endure the strain upon his nervous system. He once told a 
meml)er of this Society that tlie houi's were not long enough for 
him to [)erform what he considered to I)e his whole duty. 

Endowed l)y Nature with a superior mind and intellect, cul- 
tivated in youth by his own efforts, he was able to grasp and 
comprehend subjects Ix-yond the reach of ordinary men. He was 
not indebted to Itirth or fortune ; l)ut all his achievements were 
wrought out l»y liis own hand, guide(l by his own genius, tem- 
pered by the judicious influence of his acconii>lish( d wife. 

"A loviuii' wife bciiuilcd liiin niort' than L';inH/s cnihlazoncil zeal, 
And one sweet m)te of tenderness than Triumph's wildest peal." 

IMaiu and simple in his lialiits. calm and diguilicd in his de- 
l>ortmcnt, generous to a faull, he galhcred around liim a large 
circle of trusty friends outsi(k' of his nalixc town, outside of his 
ad<jl)ted Stale, outside of New Eijgland, be\<)nd the seas. 



26 



I lis lionosty of purpose was never (juestioiu'd ; his nU'eclion for 
family and friends -was a i>ait of liis nature, \vo\(mi into tlie sen- 
sitive fibres of his soul. His eareei- in life presents a noble ex- 
anii)le of perseveran(;e and faith, conti'olled by si'ood Juvli)ineut-, 
and sanetilied by the hiiihest t^'pe of nianhoc^d. 

"His life was gentle; and the elements 

So mixed in him, that Nature might stand np 

And say to all the world, 'This was a man.'" 

His labors in the christain ministry were such as to touch tlie 
hearts of his people, and fill their minds full of the Inspiration 
that glowed in his own soul. His intellect was clear, his con- 
victions strong, consistent and convincing ; and in his life there 
was everything to approve, nothing to condemn. A stricken 
family mourns its "loved one lost," — a sincere, truthful and 
confiding friend ; but we need only to sav that in his tomb re- 
poses the ashes of a wise, intelligent and honest man.. 

The New Hampshire Antiquarian Society has lost its most 
devoted friend, and The Worcester .Society of Anticjuity is not 
unmindful of its grief. But we all have the consolation of know- 
ing that the dark valley of Death, with its gloomy shadows, ha<l 
no terrors for him ; for to him thoy Avere made radiant by the 
bright raj's of Christain hope, dispelling all dread as he ap- 
proached the narrow house where all the living must sooner or 
later dwell. 

His labors are ended, his voice forever hushed, his mortal 
remains consigned to their final place of rest ; but the words he 
uttered while living, and the deeds he performed in behalf of 
mankind will not vanish like a shadow, but be transmitted from 
generation to generation through ages to come. 



"^|P 



Me.*!srs. Jerome AVlieelock and Albert P. MarMe. 
of Worcester, were elected luenihers of the Socletv. 

The E\ecuti\e Coiuiiiittee were autiioil/ed to 
make all nece.ssary ariiuige«ieiits for an exciir.-ion 
to the Huguenot ruins in (J.xlbrd. Mr. Jlenrv II. 
Cliamberlin then read a very interesting histoi-ical 
paper on "The Trade ol" Worcester during the pres- 
ent century," which wa< listejied to with undi\ided 
attention and interest. Remarks followed, hy liev. 
(jieorge Allen, Joseph Lovell. Mr. Cliamberlin and 
others. A vote of thanks was tendered Mr. Cliam- 
berlin for the paper, and a copy requn-to] \\,r i.nfdi- 
cation. which is here printed in full. 



i' i 1 1 : r i; A I ) ! : < ) f wok ( k ^ r i-: ii 

l»l KIN*; IHK I'KH.-KVr CKNTL'UV. 



In the year 1*«»0. Worcester, the siiire town of AVorce-ter 
couiily. contained a popuhition of 1411 persons, not fjuite four 
per cent, of that of the county, which numbered 01.1 !».'». The 
prominent menhants of the town at this time were Stephen 
.Sali-lturv. Daniel Waldo. Jr.. -John Xazro. Asa Hamilton. Oliver 
Fiske. A\ rn. Caldwell, YAijah Dix & -Son. Thomas .Stickney. and 
Capt. John Lyon. As his advertisement modestly sets forth. 
••Mr. Lyon otters dry gocAsi in exchange for wood, grain, or a 
goo<l cow." Ills was probably the earliest dr\- gocKls store in 
the town. Dr. Oliver Fiske combined with his labratory and 
medical practice the sale of groceries and drj- goo<U. the latter 
under the skillful management of Mrs. Fiske, who conducted 
both purchases and sales. Capt. Asa Hamilton sold groceries. 



28 

dr}' goods, and lottery tickets, the latter for the most praise- 
worthy object, such as promoting the cause of sound learning at 
Harvard College, and the liquidation of church debts. Samuel 
Brazer sold crockery and China ware, groceries, dry goods and 
jewelr3'. James Wilson was then in business, succeeding Isaiah 
Thomas as Postmaster in 1801. Isaiah Thomas, the founder 
of the '^Massachusetts Sp}'," who had removed here from Bos- 
ton, was the first Postmaster, having been appointed in 1775. 
He distributed the mail and Weeklj- Spy through the noi'th part 
of the county by sending his clerk, Nathaniel Maccarty, to 
Fitch])urg once a week, and a Post-rider also left here fur Salem 
every Wednesday morning, arriving here on his return every 
Saturday night. Mr. Thomas, besides ((inducting liie Post- 
oltlce and pu))lishiug the Spy, had established a large book sell- 
ing and {)ublishing business ; it is noticeable that he advertises 
not only an edition of 20,000 copies of the Xew Testament, but 
"KAINH AIAOIIKH" and the "Novum Testamentum ;" thus, 
also, providing for the classical tastes of his customers. 

Mr. Stephen Salisbury had commenced business here in 1767, 
when 21 years of age, and early identified himself with the pat- 
riotic colonists in their resistance to the oppression of Great 
Britain ; his name is often found on the committees having in 
charge the welfare of the citizens, showing the same regard for 
the best interests of Worcester and devotion to her prosperity 
that have made the name conspicuous in our annals for more 
than a hundred years. Daniel Waldo, Jr., had some years be- 
fore succeeded to the business of his father, which was estab- 
lished here in 1782, and did a large importing business in hard- 
ware and dr}' goods. Dr. Elijah Dix, whose name is mentioned 
above, had removed to Boston in 1795, but the business was still 
continued here by the junior partner ; among the graduates of 
the Boston store were the late David Henshaw, at one time sec- 
retary of the navy, and the late George Brinl(^y, senior, who was 
associated with Dea. lUitman in building the two blocks of stores 
that severall}' bear their names. 

In 1810 the population of the town had increased to 2597 and 
that of the county to G4,910, showing about the same ratio as 
that of the previous census. ]\Ir. John Foxcroft had succeeded 



■".) 



to tlu' liiisiness ol"-I()liii Nn/.io :it his stoic nriir tlir coiiuT of 
!'le:is;uit street, opposit;' the site oflhe [ireseiit City llnll. and 
occupied tlie Nazro niniisioii. which stood liack IVoni 3Iain street 
under tlie ina^niticeut elui tlfat was i'or so inany years the i)ride 
and oinainont of City scjuare. Dr. .liMiiniah Koliinson had suc- 
ceeded to the business of K. l)ix A: Son, occupying tlie store and 
house nearly 0})posite the head of school street, where the late 
.]. M. C. Arnisby's liouse (now S. ]M. Ridiardson's) stands. 
.Vltliougli, lii^e his predecessors and competitors, Dr. Robinson 
contitued to sell "piece goods," as tlu'y were calkni, and gave 
special attention to the sale of [)aient medicines. "Ilumanit}' 
induces him to sul)mit" a long list of cuix's eli'ected by Dr. Red- 
field's asthmatic i)ills. Dr. Kelfe's various cH)nn)ounds carried 
••healing on their wings" to luindreds of su'i'eiing and incredulous 
invalids. John W. Lincoln, who had bc(Mi apprenticcMl to his 
uncle. Daniel \\'aldo. had comuK'nt-ed business in a new brick 
l)lock. a part of which was al'tt'rwards occu|)ied l>y .James (ireen 
iV Co. : he ini|)orte(l many of his goods, especially hardware and 
dry goods : in a long catr.logue ol' newly imported go(xls, he 
oficrs "a fii'sli assortment of l.-uHi's" bonnets, knajisacks. grocer- 
ies and hai'ilware. Just receixi'd !iy tiie Mercury IVom liristol." 
Otis Corlu-tt dealt largely in A\'atclies and niilitai'y g<jods. 
Thomas Stickney otfcrs dry goods, crockery and glass ware. 
Danii'l Waldo ( no long(>r junior) is still in extensive Itusiness. 
Mr. S;disbury continncs his Imsiiu'ss at what is now I/nicoln 
svjiiare. \)v. ()livtM' !"'iske continues his business in its various 
departments in the long woodt'ii building nearly opi)osit(> Sikes' 
ta\ern. louij, afterwaids known as ••Thonnis' Colfee liouse." 
Dr. Fiske had now become prominent in i)ublic alfairs, being at 
this time a memlx^r of the l'>xeculive Council, Avhicli position ho 
occnpicil for live years succeeding isdlb Isaiah Thomas is still 
actively eniiaged in his special de|)artment, advi-rtising the 
speech of Senator Bayard, as the Spy might to-day. Cai)t. Asa 
Hamilton still continues the sale of di-y goods, groceries aud 
lottery tickets. .Many of the other nami's have disapjieared 
from the list . 

In 1<S2(), the |)opulation of the town was ■2'.H\-2. and that of the 
r'ountv 7-').'i-.'). continiiinu' aliont the same ratio as for the 



30 

previous twenty year.'-. Still further changes have taken place 
in the Ijusiuess of the town, but I pass over a period of two years 
and come to 1822, that I may speak from personal recollection 
of the town, its business and its inhabitants; and I ask ^'our 
indulgence while I attempt to give a description of them as I 
remember them. The towii, or what might be called the village, 
consisted principally of one broad, irregular street, beginning 
at Paine's hill and ending (the thickly settled part of it) at what 
is now Chandler street. There were five or six houses on Pleas- 
ant street east of Potash hill, and Front street, Park street and 
Mechanic street had each about as many. Summer street (then 
called Back street) extending from Lincoln square to Washing- 
ton square, contained three dwelling houses, four small cottages, 
occupied by the late Peter Rich and his numerous progen}', one 
school house. Dr. Bancroft's church and the county house. Main 
street was lined for the moFt part with gigantic sycamores and 
splendid elms, so that one might stand almost anywhere in the 
middle of the street and look either wa}' through a green arcli of 
foliage ; beneath it was tlie traveled road, and on either hand a 
broad, uneven strip of turf sloped to the foot path; bordering 
this street wei'e sul)stantial square white houses, each suri'ound- 
ed by its own spacious yard and garden. Occasionally were 
interspersed among these the various stores and oflices, with 
here and there a brick house or store of more pretension. 

At this time the warehouses of Mr. Salisbury, (who had re- 
tired from business in 1818), situated on Lincoln square, wei'e 
all closed. Dr. Abraham Lincoln, brother of Levi Lincoln, 
senior, occupied a store in front of the site of the present Anti- 
quarian hall, but he was at this time, and for the remainder of 
his life, much more occupied with politics and his i)ul)lic duties 
than with his store. Tlie next store, proceeding southerly over 
Court hill, after passing the closed store of Isaiah Thomas, was 
the book store of George A. Trumbull, who then published the 
Massachusetts Spy. In 1824, Mr. Trumbull sold out the book 
store to Mr. Clarendon Harris ; this was kept in the store pre- 
viousty occupied by Dr. Fislre, who, after retiring from business, 
had been Register of deeds from 181 G to 1821, and was now 
engaged in horticulture. Next came the drug and seed store of 



31 

!)i'. .Icrcininh Koluiisoii, who has ah'i'ady \k'v\\ inciitioiu'il. Tlu' 
lu'xl storo. [)r()(.'ei'(liiio; southoily. was ocvaipii'd liy Kii-e tt ^lillor, 
who suceeedeil Daniel Waldo in lS-21 : Ironi lliis time they eon- 
liiu'(l their })usiness to hanlwTive, of which they were extensive 
importers, and to the niannfactniv and sale of stoves and tin 
waic. I'roceeding sontherly past the Calvinist church, which 
was l)nilt in IS-i;"), the dwellings of William and Nathaniel Eaton, 
the Centre School house, and Dr. CJreon's house, we come to 
the store of Jonathan Wood and his associates. Next this was 
the store of Samuel Brazer, whose business was now confined to 
crocker}-, glass ware and grass seed ; this was kept in the base- 
ment story of his new l)rick house of two tenements, at present 
occupieil by William Dickinson. Proceeding souther]}' past the 
new brick double house of Knoch and Klisha Flagg and their 
liakcry. we come to the house and then the store of Captain Asa 
llamiUon, who still contiiuu'd the sale of groceries, dry goods, 
and lottery tickets as heretofore. A few rods farther south was 
the store ol" Earle & Chase, wlierc an extensive l)usiness was 
<lonc. ^Ir. I-'arlc is renumbered liy the pi-esent generation as 
.lolui ^Milton Karle of the Spy, of which he came into i)ossessiou 
about l.S'i."), and of wiiich lu' was editor till he was succeeded by 
.b)hn i). r>Mld\vin i^ Sous, tlu' pi'csent proprietors. INIr. Chase, 
wiio has just died at an advanced age. for many years tilled the 
otlicc of County Treasurer with credit to himself and advantage 
to the county. Close to liie store of Karle tK: Chase, stootl the 
house and shop of Nathaniel Coolidg(>, a man of some note in 
town affairs. Otis Corbett's store for the sale of watches, jew- 
elry, and military goods, was next. At this time iMr. Corbett 
had Ix'come largely eng.-iged in politics, and fdled several ollices 
in the gift of the town. 'Hieji a long space on the street was 
occupied by the liouse of Nathaniel INIaccaily, thi' new brick 
mansion of Levi Lincoln, then abk'ady a distinguished Lawyer 
in largi' practice, and \ think also the house and ollice of Mr. 
Joseph Allen, father of our venerable associate. Next was the 
house of Mr. John INIiller. father of Mr. Henry W. iNIiller : ad- 
joining his yard stood a two story storc^ occupii'd by Captain 
Samuel Ward, (afterwards colonel,) who did a nourishing busi- 
ness in groceries and dry goods ; he shortly afterwards sold his 



business and good will to Mr. Francis T. Merrick. After this 
came the house of Hon. Nathaniel Paine, and just beyond his 
ofHee, making the corner of Pleasant street. The house is still 
standing on Salem street and is a good land mark to show the 
progress of building since the time of which we are speaking. 
On the opposite corner of Pleasant street, standing well back 
from the street, was the Nazro house, then occupied by Mrs. 
Foxcroft. and l)eyond it the store previously mentioned. 

On the opposite side of Main street Wm. Harrington kept a 
store where the City Hall now stands. Crossing front street 
and going north we come to the corner store occupied b}' Samuel 
Allen, Jr., in what has been known as the "Compound," a long- 
one story building with several stores, to one of which Mr. F. T. 
Merrick had taken his stock of goods, the Col. Ward store being- 
removed to make room for a new store. This was a magnificent 
brick building, two stories high and nearly GO feet deep, much 
the largest store that had ever been built here, and was consid- 
ered verN' magnificent. When finished it was occupied b^' Hey- 
wood, Paine & Paine, the partners being Daniel He3"wood, 
Frederick AV. Paine, and Gardiner Paine. This firm not only 
conducted a large mercantile business, but by their courage and 
enterprise contributed greatly to tiie growth of the town. They 
built a large distillery, a block of stores, and excavated the 
canal basin at Washington square, besides int]"oducing water 
from Bell pond. 

Next north of the '•'Conij)ound" building was the Worcester 
Hotel, known long afterwards as the United States Hotel, or 
"The States." Crossing Mechanic street, we find' Mrs. Eliza- 
beth Denny's store in the corner of the family mansion. This 
and Miss Elza Bancroft's store were the first exclusive dry goods 
stores, after Mrs. L3'on's. Very soon after this date Stiles and 
Butnam built and occupied a store on the site ot Grout's l)lock. 
Thurston & Co.'s fruit store, and Allen's boot and shoe store, 
where a large and prosperous business was done. jNIr. Stiles 
retired after a few years, and the business was continued by 
Benjamin Butman & Co. Mr. Butman in mature liie met with 
misfortunes which impoverished him, but he courageously met 
them, and set to work manfully to repair them, and retii-ed inanv 



3'ears ago with a coinpoteucv, which was al'lorwards greatly en- 
liauced bv liis inlieritiiig tlu' proixMlv ofjiis nephew and ado])le(l 
son. lie used a considerable portion oftliis inlieritaiice in pav- 
ing 0.1' his old debts which liad long been outlawed ; an example 
of mercantile honor which needs no comment. North of Stiles 
it Butman we jjass se\eral otlices and dwt'llings : the })0st office, 
then still kept b}- Dea. Wilson ; the brick mansion of Mr. Dan- 
iel ^Valdo, in the south i)art of which was the Worcester Bank 
with its genial casliier, Mr. Samuel Jennison. Passing the 
Hathaway tavern, on th'e site of the present Ba}' State House, 
and several lionses towards Thomas street, we come to the brick 
block occupied partly by Levi Lincoln's office, and partly by the 
drug store of James Green, who entered the store immediatel}' 
after John W. Lincoln had retired from business; this was in 
the si)ring of 1822. and Mr. Lincoln thereafter lived on his farm, 
at present in i)ossession of John S. Ballard, at Quinsigamond 
Village. Mr. Lincoln devoted much of his time to public busi- 
ness, holding many offices of trust, all of which he discharged 
with a zeal, intelligence and fidelity, that have made his name a 
synonym for every civic vii'tue. Between Thomas and school 
streets was A. Hasijard Vottier's confectionary store. Before 
reaching \'ottier's store, next the brick store of James Green & 
Co.. was Dr. Bancroft's house, in the nortliern part of which 
Miss Eliza P>ancroft had kebt her store ; at this time she had 
l)ecome the wife of Hon. John Davis. Over the sidew'alk oppo- 
site School street, was suspended a sign with a hand pointing 
down School street to Washburn & Goddard's wool carding and 
lead aqueduct manufactory ; this establishment was the germ of 
the Wasliburn ifc jNIoen wire works. Between School and old 
Market streets, or wliat was called the "tan yard" (I distinctly- 
remember the vats there which made traveling unsafe,) was the 
store of Wm. I\Liniung. Jr., afterwards Heard & Manning, 
Heaid & Estr.brook, and Kstabrook dk Howe; this, known to 
later generations as the old ''Green store," was for man}- years 
a pojiular store, doing an extensive l>usiness. Henry ]\L Sikes 
and Charles Wheeler's stores, with the intervening dwellings and 
oflices, bring us again to Lincoln scjuare and John P. Kettel's 
hat store and ninunractorv. 



34 



Mail stages had now been established, and there Avas one or 
more each da}' between Boston and Albany- and New York, 
passing through this town ; but at this time the most available 
method of conununication with the other parts of the county was 
In the post riders, as they were called, who visited Worcester 
once a week to bring documents to the courts and the registry 
of deeds, and to carry back the mails and the Spy and the -3^^gis. 
These post riders gathered at Hathawa^-'s tavern on Tuesday 
nights, where, over a mug of flip in winter, or a bowl of i)unch 
in warm weather, they told stories of their perils by flood and 
fire, retailed the news collected on their several routes, and 
gathered up new treasures of gossip to carrj' back to their widely 
scattered customers. On Wednesdaj' evenings the}* filled their 
orders for hardware, medicines, dry goods, and the various kiiiek 
knacks that could not be found at the local stores ; with tiiese. 
and the papers of the week, and the mail, tiiey departed for tiieir 
homes. The great commercial event of this decade was the 
opening of the Blackstone Canal, of which Col. Plummer has 
given us an interesting account ; tliis, as a business enterprise. 
proved a stupenduous failure, it never having paid a dividend 
to its stockholders, who considered themselves fortunate in los- 
ing only the investment. Of the many business enterprises 
stimulated b}' it the only one now extant is the iron store estab- 
lished by Joseph T'ratt in 1<S2'.), still doing ])usiness under the 
fii-m name of Pratt <.^ Inman. 

In l-SoO the i)(jpulation of the town was 1 1 T.'l and tliat of ihc 
county <S4,85r), the town showing a gain on the c'onnty ni' 1 per 
cent, during the preceding thirty years. From this tinn' loiward 
there was a rapid separati<Mi of tlie several departments of busi- 
ness into dry goods, liardware, and groceries. Many new stoics 
were opened within the next five years, devoted to the dillerent 
branches. Among the more prominent of the dry goods stores 
ma}' be mentioned the following: H. B. Clallin ct Co., whose 
successors were Hardon, Hunt & Co., and Ilaidon. Ibowii i\c 
Co., afterwards B. L. Hardon & Co., who linall\ sold out to 
Jenkins, Hamilton & Co., with whom the l)usiness was discon- 
tinued. Mr. Stephen Sawyer, of the firm of Clark. Sawyer iSL- 
Co., and Mr. C. AVillard Hamilton, are tlie only renii'si'iitatives 



oraiiy of these (ii'iiis rciiiniiiinu' in town. ^Ir. Clallin, the Ibuiul- 
ei- of tlie l)iisiness. has Tor many years eondnded a successful 
trade in Xew York city, and is now at the head of the largest 
J()l)lpinii- house on this continent, if not in the world. Kicluird- 
sou & Kstalirook o[)ened a store -on Lincoln sciuare. After a, 
short time ]\Ir. Kichardson engaged in wliolesale or jobbing busi- 
iii B<jston. and is now at the head of i)eriia[)s tlie largest com- 
mission house in Boston, liaving branches in New York and 
Phihidel[)hia. It is a i)eculiavity of most of the commission 
houses in the former city that the l)rauches come to exceed the 
parent trunk in magnitude, and eitlier swallow it l)odily or illus- 
trate tlie Dundreary joke of '•'■the tail wagging the dog." 

K. & K. Sanger kept a store in the same block with II. B. 
Clallin & Co., and just nortli of them Messenger & Dean sold 
dry goods in the store that had been Dr. Dix's and Jeremiah 
Robinson's. After they diss(jlved their connection Mr. Dean 
moved to Spurr l>lock on jNIain street, l)ut shortly afterward 
went to New York. Mr. Messenger continued business for some 
years l)ut atterwards sold out, and afterwards devoted himself 
to the more attractive and more protitable business of dealing in 
real estate. I.vsander C. Clark was lor some years a flourishing 
• lealer in (b'v goods in Paine block. Ixawson i^ Farrar commen- 
ced l)Usiness al)()u1 tiiis lime, and afterwards continued it sepa- 
rately several years, lleni'vll. Chambcrlin commenced busi- 
ness willi L. C. Clark in \s:]\. in I'aine's IMoek ; tlie next 3'ear 
o[H'ned the liltle old store lel't vactmt by the death of Capt. Asa 
llaiailton. and ielin(|iiislied his luisiness to Barnard, Sumner & 
Co.. in l."^.'.;. This house has for many years occupied a leading 
[position among the diy goods establishments of this city. If 
theii' coiiilesy will allow me tiie claim of having been the founder 
of their business, it is only as ihe acorn is the germ of the spread- 
ing tree, _ and illustrates the adage that ''tall oaks from little 
jicorns grow." 

Ill !.s!(l tlic population of the town had iuereased to 44!)7, and 
that of the county to H.k.'JI.s. showing a net gain in the town 
over the coiuily of 2 2-."> pel- cent, in ten y(;ars, the ratio l)eing 
7 2-.') |)er <'ent. Among the new dry goods houses was tliat of 
.Julius L. Clarke subse(]uently State Auditor and Insurance 



36 

Commissioner, lie having found tlie field of politics more snc- 
cessful and congenial than the [)nrsuit of trade. Hall & Thomp- 
son also commenced business, to be shortly succeeded b}- Mr. A. 
Y. Thompson, who for man}' years conducted an honorable and 
successful business. I. II. Upton & Co., Charles A. Upton, 
Martin Stowe, C. J. Newcomb, H. R. Wetherell, Flagg & Wy- 
man, Clark and Sanford, F. C. Lee and others were in business 
during the ten 3'ears to 1850. Mr. Lee is still in business. 
Mr. Clark is of the firm of Clark, Sawyer & Co. Mr. Sanford 
continues the business of the old firm. The others have dis- 
appeared. 

In 1850 the population of the new cit}' had increased to 17,04!), 
more than doubling in the ten 3'ears and attaining to over lo pin- 
cent, of the population of the count}', which was 130,789. The 
history of the dr}' goods business for the next ten years shows 
but few changes except such as are recorded al)ove ; the new 
names which appear are those of J. II. Clarke & Co., George V. 
Br3'ant & Co., and Henry O. Clark. The first mentioned firm 
continues in successful business, while the other two have retired 
from the field. Gross & Strauss and man3' smaller establish- 
ments have, during this period, established a sub-division of the 
dr}' goods business, dealing principally in laces, trimmings, and 
the small wares popularly known as ''■notions," and have achieved 
a fair success. J. S. Pinkham, during this period, retiring from 
the firm of J. II. Carke & Co.. had commenced business in 
Clark's Block, corner of Mechanic street. He was succeeded 
there b3' Finlay, Lawson & Kenned}', and the latter by Denholm 
& McKa3', who do a large business at the present time, Mr. 
Pinkham having removed the carpet business which he still con- 
ducts in what was the church of the Universalist Societv, it is to 
be hoped that in dealing with his customers he tempers justice 
with mere}', in accordance with the faitli so long preached within 
those walls. 

In 1860 the population of the citv was •2l,0(;(). being over l.'» 
per cent, of that of the count}', which was 15i), ()5!). There were 
few additions to the ranks of the dr3' goods trade during the 
3'ears of the war. The rapid rise of the prices of merchandise 
caused the growth of many sudden fortunes, wliich rapidiv dis- 



niipoarc'd as prices rcliinu'd to their iintiiral level after the close 
of tlie wai'. Tlic^ population coiitiimod to increase rapidly so 
that the city numbered in l^HK 41.10.'), or over 21 per cent, of 
the county, which was 1!»7,71(;. The chano-es in bnsines and 
the increase of stores after this pefiod were too numerous to be 
recordcid here, though [)erhai)s no more than the increasing pop- 
ulation of the city and counly demanded. The easy access to 
Worcester from all sections of the county l)y railroad, has con- 
centi-ated much of the retail trade here, and there is no apparent 
reason why it should not henceforth keep pace \\\ih the increas- 
ing business and population of the countv. 

Of the old business houses whose successors or representatives 
are still in active business, I give the following list : — 

Daniel Waldo, senior, having left Boston on its occui)ation 
by tlie British in ITTTi, went tirst to Lancaster, ])ut left there .in 
1 7S2 and began business here. Ilis son, Daniel Waldo, Jr., 
succeeded him about 17i)0, and was himself succeeded by Kice 
i^ JMiller in l-SiM. ^Ir. Henry W. Miller continues the business 
on the same s[)ot where it was lii'st begun. Should he carry it 
on for two years more, it will have been estal)lished on the same 
spot for oiie hundi'ed years. Mr. Miller first entered the store 
as :iu ai)prentice in l^'KI. An olfshoot of this original establish- 
ment is also extant in the house of ivinnicut & Co., the late Geo. 
T. Ivice having l)een one of the cuccessors of INIr. Waldo ; he and 
]\Ir. Miller separated in l.s;!2, and Messrs. Kice and Ivinnicut 
established the business which has l)een for many years con- 
(hicted under tlu; i)resent style, 'i'he business of the late John 
r. Kt'ttell was begun in ISlx, and contimied for a period of GO 
years ; although it has luiw no representative or successor, its 
long continued and honorable i-ecord entitle it to ])e mentioned 
in this coiuicction. h\ 1S22 Jamc^s (Irecn & Co. hegan business 
in the ,-.tor(> afteiwards occupied I'or some time by their sussessor, 
(ieorge (;. Burbank. who has recently removed south, in Kich- 
mond's new block. In 1.S21 the late Albert Brown began busi- 
ness in the stoic adjoining Di-. (Jreen's house, and was shortl}' 
followed liy his brothers, A\'illiam and Theophilus ; this business 
is still continued by William 'i\ Brown, son of the last mention- 
ed, the business having been in the family for 07 j-ears, with 



38 

promise of a long succession. In 1H2(! Asa Walivcr began busi- 
ness, whicli is still continued in tlie family l)y ''visa Walker's 
Sons." In 1S2'J Mr. Joseph Tratt, lured from the forge and the 
anvil by the specious promises oC eas}' and cheap transportation 
by the Blackstone canal, opened the iron store fov nuvny years 
carried on by Joseph Pratt & Co., Pratt & Earle, and still con- 
tinued by the original founder and the Messrs. Inman, under 
the firm of Pratt & Inman. After Mr. Miller, jMr. Pratt is the 
oldest merchant, still doing business almost on the very spot 
where his sign was raised 50 3'ears ago. 

In 1875, the last recorded census gives the city of Worcester 
a population of 49,317, about 23 1-2 per cent, of that of the 
county, which was 210,295. It is probable that the census of 
the present year will show the usual per cent, of gain by the city 
over the county, and it would be strange if this were not so. 
With most attractive local surroundings, with a population intel- 
ligent, industrious, virtuous, and happy ; with rare advantages 
for education, both for the young and the old ; it would be 
strange indeed if Worcester did not continue to draw to this 
part of the commonwealth, not oul^- the vigorous blood of the 
count}^, but also that of regions far beyond the limits of the 
state ; till not only the sons of Vermont and New Hampshire, 
but those of Connecticut, New York and Maine, should unite in 
associations to vie with each other in giving new zest to life, and 
a new impetus to progress in this city of tlieir adoption. 



The next regular meeting was held June 1, Vice 
President Crane, by request of the President, occu- 
pied the chair. There were present. Chirk Jillsoii, 
Crane, Seagrave, Dodge, Paine, Lee, F. P. Rice, Cook, 
St. John, F. C. Jillson, Lovell, C. C. Baldwin, Esty, 
H. M. Smith, Sumner, Chamberlin, Tucker, Staples, 
J. A. Smith, and Lawrence. Wm. A. Smith Avas 



39 

elected an active member ot the Society. On mo- 
tion of Mr. Lovell, a vote of thanks was tendered to 
Franklin P. Rice for hiti vahiable services in editing 
and printing the "Early Records of the Town of 
Worcester." The following vote was then passed: — 

]^(it('<l, 'rimt Fnuikliii 1'. Rice be, and lie is lu'rel)y authorized 
to edit and publish for the AN'oreester Society of Antiquity, "The 
Records of the Proprietors of the Town of Worcester," in four 
parts, to be numbered in their regular order with the publications 
of the Society'. 

The matter of visiting the old "French Fort" iu 
Oxford was then discnssed, and a letter from Geo. 
h\ Daniels, Es(i., touching that subject was read. 
On motion of Franklin P. Rice, a committee of three, 
consisting of Messrs. Rice, Lee and Shumway, was 
appointed to make all necessary arrangements in 
l)ehalf of the So(;iety for a pilgrimage to the "Nip- 
muck Country" for the purpose of examining the 
the ruins of tlie Huguenot settlement nnule in Ox- 
ford in 1 (iSC). 

This committee attended to their duty with com- 
mendable promptness, and at 8 o'clock on the morn- 
ing of June •'), the "Belle of Worcester" gracefully 
i-eceived a large niunber of the members of the So- 
ciet\-, in front of i^ank Jilock, on Foster street. — 
The "Belle" ami her stylish livery of six horses were 
in charge of Mr. Charles Cutler. The route led 
lliroiigh Aulnirn town, and is one of the most pleas- 
ant dri\es in the vicinit\ of Worcester. 



40 

On arriving in Oxford the party was joined by 
Dr. S. C. Paine, Geo. F. Daniels, Esq., and Lient. 
Fred. G. Hyde of Oxford, and Dr. F. A. Boswortli 
of Webster, John Cort of the Webster Times, and 
others. This locality is in the heart of the Nipniuck 
Country, Avhich extended as far east as Natick, to 
the Connecticut river on the west, and was some 
thirty miles in width. Within its boundaries were 
some of the best land for cultivation in Massachu- 
setts. Its hills, valleys and streams, were attractive 
to the Indian tribes; and within its bord(irs might 
be found one of the largest lakes in the state, as 
might well be inferred from its former terrific name, 
Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggagungamaugg, now 
deprived of its ancient grandeur by the withering 
abreviation, "Chaubunagungamaug." 

After visiting the old burial ground, Meinoriiil 
Hall and other places of interest, the party made an 
examination of the upper mill site, where the Hu- 
guenots had a grist and wash-leather mill. Traces 
of the original dam and race-way are plainly to be 
seen, but the nrea where the mills were is covered 
with growing wood. This is an interesting spot, — 
once busy with the efforts of an industrious conip;iny 
of exiles; noisy with the rush of water and the hum 
of machinery, — now, after the lapse of nearly two 
centuries, silent, unobserved, untrodden by the loot 
of man. While the village and the city have been 
thriving and expanding year ofter year, this once 
busy place has been growing more and moi-e ol)sciire 



4J 

till tile snot where the lirst iu;iiiuiketiiriiii>- establish- 
ineiit in this part ol' the eoiinty stood is now covered 
with a dense Ibrest. 

The party then paid a visit to "Saccarappji," a ro- 
mantic ravine shaded hy trees of fifty years' growth, 
where three (piarters of a century ago was a thri- 
ving village. A large business was carried on here 
as early as 1<S](). Several mills aiid shops were then 
in successful operation at this place, among them a 
scythe factory where David Lilley and Lewis, his 
son, carried on an extensive business. In 1825, 
Lewis started for western New Yoi'k with a load of 
scythes and was nevei- again heard from. At this 
place the lirst cut nails manufactured in this coun- 
ty were made. 

Dinner was served at the hotel on the plain, after 
■which the })arty received some jiccessions, ;;moi'g 
whom were lie\', A. J>. Emmons, a gentleman of 
anti(}uarian taste, a loxer of historical research, and 
Mr. jjoriston Sluunway, botli of Oxford. The "fort" 
Avas next examined. This ancient fortification is 
located on the "Sanuiel Mayo Farm," iiow owned by 
Mr. J. W. Plaisted, of Worcester. From this point 
may be seen numerous (diurcli spires in the surround- 
ing country, with the Qninnebaug valley in full 
view u])on one side. u})on the other Wachusett 
Mountain, with Oxford smiling at jour feet. 

It is supposed that the fort was built ol' hewn tim- 
ber, except the foundation walls, which were of stone 
aiul still I'emain in their original position. It was 



42 

evidently ))iiilt as a garrison against the unfriendly 
Indians, and the oiil}' structure ot the Ivind in Amer- 
ica. It was 1U5 feet in length, noi'th and south, 72 
feet in width, and built by Gabriel Bernon, the chief 
man of the settlement. Histoi'ians and other persons 
have claimed that there was a, well located on the 
west side of the fort, but our party uncovered a well 
on the easterly side, within the enclosure, and the 
physical efforts of Mr. Henry L. Shumway caused it 
to be explored to the depth of 6 feet, by taking out 
the loose stones with which it had been tilled. It is 
built in circular form, and is prol)ably from 10 to 
20 feet deep, with numerous relics at the bottom, 
which the Society proposes to look after in due time. 
Asparagus, cinnanioji roses and grapes, gi-ow among 
the ruins, proljably planted there by the Huguenots. 
There is a large pile of stones within the walls of the 
fort which have been placed there l)y those who hiwa 
cultivated the surrounding fields, but the\' constitute 
no part of the fort. Barber, in his "Historical col- 
lections," represents this fort by a pile of stones, 
which gives a wrong impression to the observei". 
The walls are not nnicli above the surface of tiie 
ground, and it is not known tiiat tliey were e\'er 
constructed of stone any higher. A short distance 
from this place was the house of the Huguenot ])as- 
tor, Daniel Bondet, and the eminence upon which 
it stood is now (MlJcd Bnndri Mill. 

The next interescing locality visheil was (lu- .■siu- 
of the house of John Johnson, located on the road 



43 

lioiu Oxford to Webster, near wliat is called John- 
son Plain. Here three children of Mr. Johnson were 
murdered by the Indians during their father's ab- 
sence, he returning just in time to meet the same 
fate. His wife lied with a babe in her arms to the 
fort at Woodstock. The spot where this massacre 
took place is marked b)' an unhewn stone monument 
six feet high and eight inches square. On the east 
side fronting the road is the following inscription, 
cut by Mr. Geo. F. Daniels, through whose efforts 
the monument was erected: "J. J. 1696, o • ©," 
and under the above a Tomahawk and Cross, crossed. 
''A. P. M. 1875." The letters J. J. are the initials 
of Mr. Johnson's name; 1696 the date of the massa- 
cre ; the three dots indicate the number of children 
slaiii ; the Tomahawk and Cross represent Christian- 
ity and Barbarism; the letters /V. P. M. are the ini- 
tials of the names of the children, — Andrew, Peter 
and Mar\ ; 1875 is the date of the erection of the 
monument. This stone was erected in the presence 
of a large assembly of the citizens of Oxford and 
\ icinity, August -J5, 1875. Johnson was I'rom the 
county of Stafford, England. His wife was Susan 
Sigourney, l)orn in France, daughter of Andrew Sig- 
ourney, the constable. After tlie death of Johnson 
she returned to IJoston and married her cousin, 
Daniel Johonnot, A])ril 18, 1700. She died in Bos- 
ton Api-il 1(», 1727, aged 89 years. 

The Humphrc} homestead w^as next visited. 
This was the residence of Ebenezer Humphrey who 



44 

came from Woodstock to 0-\r'ord in the davs ol' tlie 
Huguenots. It has remained in the I'amily since 
1713, <ind is now owned and ()ccu})ied h_v Et)e)iezer 
Humphrey of the foui'th geiiei'ation, and is the only 
homestead in town tliat remains in the possession ot 
the family of the original owner. Tlie mansion 
house which is the third upon the site, is shaded hy 
several majestic elms one of wdiich measures 22 feet 
in circumference. This liouse is near the site of the 
Huguenot church and ))urial place, but no traces of 
either can now be seen. 

The party then returned to the Plain wdiere the_\- 
partook oi a collation served by Mr. Loriston Shum- 
way and family, which added something to the cour- 
age of a fortunate company of explorers. Tlie home 
trip was now in order, and the party, elated witli 
the success of their day's work, passed through North 
Oxford and Stoneville, reaching the City Hall while 
the Old South clock w^as striking 8 P. M. 

July 6, 1880, the Society met at their rooms, the 
President in the chair. The Librarian made his 
monthly report. The President alluded to the Ox- 
ford excursion, and to the inspiration that seemed 
to linger with some of the members since their re- 
turn. As a specimen of the unretainable melody of 
one of the excursionists, Mr. E. F. Thompson read a 
Poem written by Mr. Henry M. Smith, relating to 
the Oxford pilgrimage. This Poem is w^ell worthy 
of perusal, and was highl\- commended by Rev. Geo. 
Allen who was pi'esent when it was i'ead. 



A H I I)K TO N I PM rCK LA N 1) 



HY HENKV M. SMITH. 



Tlic moriiinu' fVowiied, the sullen elouds swept low 

111 gloomy liiiit. our trip we must forego, 

Tlie weather seer in must aniltiguous vein 

Told falling mereurv and areas of rain. 

Close in the misty east the ehurch vanes clung. 

And (111 all sides the weather warnings rung. 

Hut not all these prevailed to bid us stand 

Nor venture on our tour to Nipmuck laud ; 

l'rtjmi)t all on l>oard cjur Jehu drew not rein 

I'ntil we stood ehiU", on Oxford Plain. 

Short there oui- pause. The Nipmuck Sachem came, 

His native region, Daniels is his name. 

Sachem and wizard, wise in annals old. 

Which all the past of Nipmnck land enfold. 

He knew it all ; was chum with pere Bondet, 

And many Nipmuck Sachems earlier 3-et ; 

Familiar he with fertile fair Manchaug, 

"Wabquasset and Chauliunagungamaug, 

Met saintl}' Eliot often on his rounds 

To new disciples of ''Tlie praying towns," 

And with him wei)t when l^hilip's fiery brand 

Sent g:ief and havoc through the Nipmuck land. 

And half fledged converts, full of rage and rum. 

Took to the woods with Wattacompanum ; 



46 



Lived on I'amiliar terms with Huguenots 
When Nipmuck region knew their pleasant spots ; 
Knew them b}' name, and many visits paid 
To house and mill, on hillside and in glade. 
Each date and annal caught with skillful "mem." 
And if the}' knew him not, the w^orse for them. 
Weird Nipmuck land, in this prosaic age, 
When cares of business all our souls engage ; 
When bank and office, factor}', shop and mill. 
Hold us their slaves obedient to their will, 
Welcome the rare occasion's ottered rest. 
To con awhile the strange old i)alimpsest. 
Whose pages on our neighboring l)orders stand 
Spread on the hills and vales of Nipmuck land. 

A choice New England village, white and neat. 
Strung for a mile along a wide, straight street. 
From shaded 3-ards New li^ngland homes look out. 
New England farmsteads crown the hills al)ont; 
Hill side and meadow diessed in living green, 
A sun and sky of June make fair the scene. 
By this you note Old I'roli. had lost the day. 
The morning gloom and mist had ])assed away, 
And glad in sunsliine still we think with |)ain 
Of those who lost the tri}> through fear of rain. 
Whose shattered promise must be rendered tiius — 
Falsus in tino, false m onmibus. 

But to our task ; our wizard from his scrolls 
Along two hundred years the past unrolls. 
At his weird touch the village disappears. 
We see the Nipmuck land of former years ; 
He shows the wilderness as it stood that daw 
One 'slender foot path led to Boston Bay : 
Instead of stage route or the speedy rail 
We trace the dim and silent forest trail, 
The old Bay Path along Avhich early came 
The pilgrim pioneer, sire and patient dame. 
Slow plodding forvvard on the panniered steed. 



47 



rickiiin' tlu'ir loilsouu' way with anxious heed. 
The ciiret'ul sire witli th'e-loek well in hand. 
Alert for what niiuht lurk in Xipniuck hind. 
Tlu' first thin sti'eanilets pf the tide tliat })res.sed 
Ixesponsive to the lirst eoniniaiid. ••<i'o West." 

And now our wi/.ard l)ids for us advauee 

The sad. l)rave pil<>rinis. fresh from sunny France ; 

Skilled hands, stout hearts. unnerve(l by adverse lute, 

(Jlad to escape the tireless l)ii>ot's hate, 

'I'he pious souls that hither came to dwell, 

I^eaviuii' their vine clad hills oi' New Kochelle. 

Ilei'e was their mill, two centuries aback 

This glade re-echoed to their mill wheels' clack : 

'I'hese verdure covered slopes and mead lieyond 

Pent once the waters of their little pond ; 

'I'his low browecl wall, its stones still lii'm in line. 

'Hie boundaries yet of dam and tlume confine. 

Thoiiiih near two hundred .limes have passed away 

Since here tlu' master oftlu' mill bore sway. 

The humliU- ruins kindly Nature guai'ds. 

With sentinel trees and maskinu' shrubs she wards 

From harm and careless foot the ancient shi'ine, 

From all t'xce|)t such l()\iiig oves as thine 

() wizai'l. and wlio on thy skillful track 

Would trace the storied i)age of Nipmuck back. 

Auain the road, our ti'ampling steeds again, 

At Saccara|ipa soon we draw the rein. 

Pondering awhile the crazy wall and Hume 

In dells the blossoms of the Sjjring perfume. 

\\'here men whose tasks in days our grandsires knew, 

Nourislied the gei'ins from whence our factories grew. 

Who told the lirst llsli story? and his name 
Who wrought the craft of gentle Walton shame? 
Makiii- iIh' pii'':i^'' ihr -\ii>.b<>l widely known 
|-",,r inilti. with fal^rih •...! <u,\,{\\ >>\k-i-j.\-><\\\i': 
Not thou of Saccarai»pa. (luaint and (lueer. 
Ferched by thy [lond. proud of thy tishing gear. 



48 



But should the guild of tish}' chronicles fail. 
Thou could'st reuevv it with h fishj' tale. 
How has thy marvel growu since first essayed 
In harmless gossip of the angler's trade, 
From scores to hundreds, hundreds thousands grew, 
From pounds to hundred weights, still all too few. 
Thy fisher's miracle may stand at last 
A ton of Morn Pouts from a single cast! 

An hour we ride, a loftier height we scale, 
Wideh- the pleased eye sweeps the pleasing vale ; 
Our wizard waves his wand above the grass 
As o'er the verdure of the field we pass, 
And lo, new meaning haunts each low swept line 
As we the secret of each shallow pit divine. 
Here came the Huguenot with axe and spade, 
And for his tender folk a stronghold made. 
What time the Nipmucks hung upon theii' track. 
And Nipmuek hillsides gave the answer back. 

A clash of steel, the centuries roll away. 

We see the hamlet as it stood that day, 

The homesteads smiling in the intervale, 

The hum of labor rising on the gale, 

A pleasant land of milk and corn and wine. 

At door and window rich with clinging vine 

The joyous children play with laugh and shout. 

And white capped nuitrons from their cares look out, 

And there among tlie roses and the vines 

Fond Gabriels woo their sweet Evangelines. 

There stands the pastor's house on Bondet Hill, 

And just beyond the humlile church and inill. 

And over all June's scented breezes blow 

Just as the}' passed two hundred years ago. 

A clash of steel, the scene is changed, from far 

Come hideous presages of savage war ; 

From field and cal^n, shop and busy mill. 

The breathless villagers climb the fortress hill ; 

Pale mothers frantic, shrieking children clasp. 



49 



Stout sires mid sons (irclock and s:il)re grasp ; 
>.'ot theii-s a eow.ii-d race wlio late in war 
Joyed to heboid the white pliinie of Navarre ; 
Not theirs to Ci^wer atjhe Nipmnek's veil 
Who wept Itnt Menehed not,wheu C'olignv fell, 
JJiit theirs to sing, as of the bravest sort. 
Two eentiH-ies belbre Sankey — -'Hold the Fort." 

A clash of steel nioi-e loud, our reverie liroke, 
And all the vision vanishes like smoke. 
That clash no note Ity hostile weapons made, 
Xo din of tliuiit. but Shumway's busy sjjade ; 
We dig with eager haste the sward awav, 
Toss out loose pebbles to the light of da^-, 
I^eveal laide stonework swept in circle I'oiuid, 
.\nd lo, good (iabi-iel ]>ernon"s well is foinid. 

What more success, what fresh discoveries given, 

AVhat treasures unearthed to the light of heaven ; 

Some silver tankai'd. trinket i-are, or gem? 

riain, simple folk, such gear was not for them, 

The i)earl of [)rice brcjught with them t(j this strand, 

^^'cllt upwai-(l with them to the better land, 

l>ut from the clinging mould a fragment see, 

A crumbling bit of huml»lest pottery. 

'Hie inch long moiety of an earthei-n dish 

That lu'ld their frugal meal of saiii}) or lisli. 

A sliattei-e(l fkigon's long forgotten tij) ; 

A i-im of glass ware that some maiden's lip 

Has kissed, perchance, as laughingly she (luaffcd 

From this old well her luscious morning draught; 

'I'hese slender tokens help to l)ind the spell 

As we in silence gather 'round the well. 

r>y this the levelled lances of tiie sun 
Athwart the vali' told his day's journey done; 
The landscajie gilded with his setting ray 
l""air as a poet's vision stretched away ; 
i'rom distant slopes far village spires look down, 



50 



And nestled in the vale lay Oxfoi-d town. 

The spirit of its beauty on us fell, 

We bid adieu to Gabriel Bernon's well. 

We pause upon our homeward route awhile 
Where kindh' hands have raised a simple pile — 
Enduring granite, centuries to remain 
And mark the massacre on Johnson's Plain. 
'Twas here the long watched war-bolt fell ; 
This spot re-echoed to the savage 3'ell, 
Like lightning stroke the demon work was o'er, 
A slaughtered household weltering in their gore. 
This was the last. Exposed to Nipmuck hate, 
They left these vales, still chased b}- adverse fate. 
Thej^ sought new homes and shelter, far and near, 
And histo}' lost them when they vanished here. 

Not lost were the_y ; such lives are never lost. 
Though for a while distressed and tempest tossed, 
The fountain spills its treasures o'er the brink 
They waste ; into the thirsty earth they sink. 
The}' are not lost, in other fountains rise 
Or shine sun-woven with the rainbow's dyes. 
No better strain our country's life-blood shows 
Than that which from these Gallic strangers flows. 
And many an honored name and cherished spot 
Preserve the memory of the Huguenot. 




51 

The tlianks of tlie Society were tendered Mr. C. B. 
Tillinghast of the State Library for his valuable do- 
nation of 13 volumes of Election Sermons, from 1750 
to 1880, inclusive. Renuu'ks were made by Rev. 
Geo. Allen, Gen. A. B. E. Sprague, Wm. A. Smith, 
and Samuel E. Staples. 

The next regular meeting Avas held Sept 7th, 1880, 
the President and both Vice-Presidents being absent. 
The meeting was called to order by the Secretary, 
and on motion of P. P. Rice, Samuel E. Staples was 
elected President pro tern. Frank J. Kinney wa.s 
elected to active membership. There were present, 
Messrs. Staples, Sea grave, P. P. Rice, Comins, Mar- 
shall, Lawrence, P. C. Jillson, Cook, Esty, James. 
A. Smith and Rev. George Allen. At this meeting 
the Society passed the following vote: — 



Voted, Thnt a oomniittee of tliive ho ai)pointed !)}• the Presi- 
dent, of whifli ho shall, f^a; of/;c/o, l)c ohainiuin, whose duty it 
shall 1)0 to contract for, edit and superintend the publication of 
the Proceed in<2,s of the iSocietv for the current year, together with 
all matter that may he referred to them for that puri)ose ; to de- 
1 ermine what [)uhlications shall he consolidated and denominated 
"Collections of The Worcester Society of Antiquity," and to 
prepare a title page and index, and ollierwise edit the work, 
Avhich shall lie printed for the henetit of the memhers, and to 
furnish other organizations and in(hviduals having these puhlica- 
tions, at such reasonable price as the judgment of the committee 
may express ; and when the Proceedings of 1<S8() shrdl have been 
issued, the same committee are herel\y authorized to secure the 
l)inding of a limited number of sets, to be entitled as al)Ove — 
Collections of 'J"he ^Vorcester Society of Antiipiity. 



52 

Remarks were made by Rev. Geo. Allen, E. I. 
Comins and J. L. Esty. A. large donation of pub- 
lic documents was received from Hon. Henry B. 
Peirce, Secretary of the Common wealtli, also, a do- 
nation of books from Mrs. Francis Stiles, Jr., of Lei- 
cester. On motion of Mr. F. P. Rice, Albert Tolman 
Esq. was invited to read a paper at the next regular 
meeting. Adjourned. 

The next regular meeting was held Oct. 5, 1880, 
the President in the chair. Present, Messrs. Clark 
Jillson, Crane, Staples, Lovell, H. M. Smith, Cham- 
berlin, F. P. Rice, Cook, Kinney, F. C. Jillson, Har- 
low, Esty, Lee, J. A. Smith, Lawrence, Seagrave, 
and by invitation, Mr. Joseph Lovell. Mi*. Crane 
read an interesting and valuable paper on ''Heraldic 
Coats of Arms." Under the vote ])assed at the last 
meeting, the President appointed Messrs. Samuel E. 
Staples, Henry M. Smith and Frajiklin P. Rice, as 
a conmiittee to edit and superintend the publishing" 
of the Proceedings, and carry out all the require- 
ments of said vote. The thanks of the Society were 
tendered Mr. Crane for his instructive paper read at 
this meeting. The meeting was then adjoui'iied. 

Nov. 2, 1880, the President in the chaii-. Present, 
Messrs. Clark Jillson, Crane, Staples, F. P. Rice, C. 
R. Johnson, Shumway, Dickinson, Roe, Lawrence, 
Dodge, Cook, Lee and Seagrave. Ploii. James II. 
Phelps, of West Townshend Vt.,' was electcnl an Hon- 
orary member; and Rev. Thomas E. St. John of 
Auburn, N. Y., a corresponding member. 



Mr. Crane gave an account of his visit, in com- 
pany with tiic President, to the city of Baltimore, 
in res})onse to a jJoHte jnvitation from the Maryland 
Jlistorical Society, to atteml the Sesqiu-Centennial 
Celebration of Baltimore, and the exercises and Ban- 
(|uet of said 8ociet\-, at Music Hall, Tuesday Oct. 12, 
1880, These representatives of our Society found 
Baltimore, the i-ooms of the Historical Society, and 
Music Hall, and their Com])limentary tickets entitled 
them to a back seat in the third tier. Tliey read in 
the morning papers, of (Jet. 1;], about the Banquet. 

It appeared that the fraternal greetings hinted at 
in the card of invitation, did not apply to those who 
wei'e to the ti'ouhle or expense of being present, and 
ollicei's of Histoi'ical Societies, Literary Institutions, 
and tliose occu])ying !iigh official positions in State 
and Nation, though specially invited, were enter- 
tainiuii; themselves at the crowded hotels, unnoticed. 

The re})resentafives of our Society fomid ample 
amusement in tiiis Jiiethod of ti'eating invited guests 
to this kind of go-as-you-please hospitality, and witli- 
out much deliberation concluded that it miglit have 
))l;'j:i hereiiitary as well as local. 

Mr. (jharles 11. Johnson suggested the importance 
of collecting aiul presei'ving all printed matter rela- 
ting to the present State and National j)olitical cam- 
paign, ncnv just closed. On motion of Mi'. Crane, a 
vote of thanks was tendered Mr. Stephen Salisbuiy, 
Jr., for his donation of the North American Iveview 
;s.s issued. Adjourned. 



54 

The Annual meeting was held Dec. 7th, the Presi- 
dent in the chair. Present, Clark Jillson, Crane, 
H. M. Smith, Kinney, Shumway, Scott, Dickinson, 
W. A. Smith, Sumner, Esty, Cook, F. P.Rice, Stone, 
Marshall, J. A. Smith, C. C. Baldwin, Tucker, Sta- 
ples, Lee, Lovell, Dodge, Paine, W. H. Bartlett, 
Roe, Merriam, C. R. Jolnison and Seagrave* 

Letters were read from Rev. T. E. St. John, of 
Auburn, N. Y., G. L. Faxon, of Spencer, Mass., Wm. 
S. Barton Esq., of Worcester, Charles. Adams Jr., of 
North Brookfield, and George Sheldon of Deerfield. 
Mr. Crane read extracts from a letter he had recei- 
ved from Col. John L. Vivian, of London, England. 
The Treasurer and Librarian made their annual Re- 
j)orts. Mr. Crane reported for the Department of 
Local History and Genealogy, and also made a state- 
ment of the financial condition of the Society, and 
it was voted that the annual assessment be $3 for 
each active member. The President made a few re- 
marks relating to the prosperity of the Society, and 
concluded by declining ;i re-election. The Secretary 
also declined re-election, he having served from the 
the time the Societj- was first instituted, covering a 
period of nearly six years. 

The following officers were elected : President, 
Ellery B. Crane; 1st Vice President, Albert Curtis; 
2d Vice President, Albert Tolman ; Secretary, Sam- 
uel E. Staples ; Treasurer, James A. Smith ; Libra- 
rian, Albert A. Lovell: Standing Committee for 3 
years, Edward R. Lawrence. 



55 

Mr. Staples called attention to the anniversary of 
the death of John Brown, and thereupon read a 
poem written by lion. Clark Jillson in 1850, entitled 
^'The Hero of Harjxjr's Ferry," as follows: — 

THE HERO OE iiARri:irs eekry. 



The Iioro of the present nge, 

All old mail worn with toil, 
To-clav must share a martyr's fate 

On Ereedom's boasted soil. 
Tlie Old Dominion cries for blood, 

But trembles while she cries, 
Eoi" fear her chains will break and fall 

When the noble martyr dies. 

The (h'cd for which he stands accused 

Is not a crime to me ; 
I honor and revere the man 

Who sets the captive I'vec, ; 
And feel that (iod will own and bless, 

In spite of human laws, 
All those who battle man fully 

In Ereedom's holy cause. 

John Brown may on the scaltbld die, 

Like Jesus on the Cross, 
f And Old Virginia laud the act. 

While Ereedom mourns her loss ; 
But his proud spirit still is free 

To guide and guni-d the brave — 
To keei) the torch of conllict bright 

W'hih' the Soutli contains a slave. 

WoRtEsrr.K, Mass.. Dicr. 2. IS.VJ. 



56 

Remarlvs relating to the subject of the poem were 
made bv Messrs. H. M. Smith, Lovell, Crane, Roe, 
and Shumway. Messrs. Lovell, Crane, and Dodge 
were appointed to ascertain at what cost the adjoin- 
ing room could be obtained for the use of the Society. 
Adjourned for two weeks. 

The adjourned annual meeting was held Dec. 21, 
the President in the chair. Present, Clark Jillson, 
Crane, Staples, F. P. Rice, Shumway, Lovell, F. C. 
Jillson, Cook, Marshall, E. H. Thompson, Lee, Stone, 
Comins, Scott, Roe, J. A. Smith, Dr. Chandler, and 
Seagrave. Mr. Lovell reported that our present 
room wdth the one adjoining could be secured at an 
annual rental of $200. On motion of Mr. Crane it 
was voted that the committee ascertain what rooms 
could be obtained for elsewhere and report. The 
Chairmen of the Departments who had not reported 
were authorized to report in print. The Secretary 
then read a letter from the Hon. George Sheldon, 
of Deerfield, Mass., with the accompanying paper. 



Deerfield, Dec. 6, 18S0. 

Daniel Seagrave, Secretary, 

My dear sir ;— Thanks for the invitation to the»meetiiii;' 
of The Worcester Society of Antiquity. It would give me great pleasure to 
meet the band of workers who will be there gathered ; but as this cannot 
be, I send as my substitute, an article on local and general history, which 
has cost me some labor and afforded me some satisfaction, and which I hope 
may be of some interest to your Society. 

Yours very truly, 

GEO. SHELDON. 




WHO TOOK TICOXDEROGAy 



i;v (;k<>i;(;k s!;i:!-!>tA', 



'-Wno took Tieoiiilcrop;' ':" nslcs' !>. F. DcC'osln. in ll-.c rijil.-ixv 
?»I;iu;iziiU' for I>('e(Mi)l;(M'. l^Ji'iS. In reply to his own (jncr\-. ho 
attoni[)ts to prove l!i:it ihc iriory of thiit nchi.'Ncint'iil should he 
(iivi<l('(l l)etween BcMUHiici .Vrnold — ol" inrisinons nicmoiv — nnd 
.lolin IJro-wn Ksfj.. d' 1 ill- f'cM. .\i. {!(<ir:d o;tir_i:nisluT \v;is 
j>ul over thi' "mnv litrhi" oC DcCostn. 1)\' i low Ililjind I l;i!l. in ;i 
p;i[>cr rend hciorc the WM'uiont liislot'ic.'d Socictw in I.sCiil: ;ind 
soon ai'ter, Hon. L. K. (■Iiiltcndcn. in an cxlinnstivc [*a|)('ron the 
snl)]\'('t, answcrcMl tin' ijucsiion oi" l)(>C'osta in such a inannci', 
tliat tlic ••now soliool" historian will lia.i'dlv notd to i-o[)oat it. 

Still, howovoi'. thoi'o arc unsottlod oiiostioiis conoornino- tlio 
oxpodition for the eaptni-o ol' '•Old Ti.." in 177.'). and o\ei'\- scrap 
of inlorniation hearinii' upon thein sliould have a [)ornianent rec- 
ord. One question, the wlierealiouts of Arnold fi'oni the thii'd 
of ]May when ho was coiinnissionoil ('oh)n('l l>y the Comniittoo of 
Safety, at Watortown, with authority to rais<^ 4(H) men in west- 
ern Massachusetts, for the ca[)turo of Ticonderosza. until his ap- 
pearance at Rupert. \'oi-inont. l\Iay Nth, has heon the subject of 
mucli speculation and conli-ovorsy. This hiatus in the chi'onol- 
ogy of tlie events connected with this aifaii-, can now he tilled. 

Col. Thomas AV. Dickinson, of Deerlield, who died in is;;,'), 
loft important papers which have recently lioon hrouuht to liulit 
1»3' his great granddaughter, INIiss Celestina Campliell, of Deer- 
lield. From these we learn that Ai'uold was in consultation with 



58 

the Committee of Safet}' on the 4th da}- of Ma.y respecting sup- 
plies for tlie men he was to raise, and that on this day, a com- 
mission was issued to Thomas W, Dickinson, of Deerfield, as 
Deputy Commissar}', with particular instructions to furnish 15000 
pounds of beef for the force that might be engaged in the expe- 
dition against Ticonderoga. Two days later, on the Gth of May, 
Mr. Dickinson was surprised b}- recieving a message from Col. 
Arnold, requesting an interview at the tavern of Maj. Salah Uar- 
nard, at Deerfield. Here Arnold delivered him his commission, 
asking him to accept the service. At the close oi' the consulta- 
tion, Arnold stepped to the cupboard — still to be seen — drew out 
a shelf and took down a decanter of spirits. After taking a so- 
cial glass and giving final instructions to his s\il)ordinate, Arnold 
departed. He was now 100 miles on the road towards Ticon- 
deroga, and doubtless i)ushed on over the mountsiln direct. 

The Commissary went about his new duties with such zeal 
and energy that he was on the road to Ticonderoga with a drove 
of cattle the next morning, with his young brother. Consider, as 
his assistant. ''On the following Friday" says Tdr. Dickinson, 
"I arrived at a point in the present county of Eutland, where I 
was met by Col. Mott, Eason, [Easton] and Capt. I'helps. re- 
turning from the captuie of the Fort ; and on the same day 
[Ma}' 12] recieved an order from Col. Arnold, to put in pasture 
all but four of the most active cattle, and to send tlie latter on 
by some baggage wagons which were then going to the garrison." 
These wagons may have belonged to the recruits from Pittsfield. 
who reached the Fortress on the 13th of jMay. 

It now seems easy to understand the plans of Arnold, and 
follow his footsteps. He reached Cambridge from New Haven 
about the 29th of April, full of the scheme of capturing "Old Ti." 
which he had ascertained was in an almost defenceless condition. 
Until May 4th he was in conference with the Committee of Safety 
as to ways and means of success. David Field, of Deerfield, a 
member of the committee, who was well acquainted with the 
western part of the Colony, its geography and its resources, 
would naturally be consulted by Arnold as to the best route to 
the place of operations, and the most expeditious way of getting 
supplies. As naturally, Col. Field would select his newly made 



59 



son-iii-hnv. Tlumins W. Dickinson, ioioivinu' liiin lo lie :in anient 
Wliio-. trusty mid cMu-rgvlie, as Coniniissarv. 3Iay (itli, Arnold 
as we have seen was at Deerdold. halfway to the Lake. Two 
days later he was at Kiipgrt. \'erniont, Avheiu-e he wrote to 
"Tile r;entleinen of the Sontherii Towns, [of Berkshire] to send 
on men witli arms, ammunition and l)lankets : tliat he liad --en- 
i^'a^'i'd, and on the road, provision (moniiii for .'lUO nieii for six 
weeks." 

\'\) to this time no evideiic(> apjiears of any attenii)t on the 
part of Arnold, to raise a single man lor the service, apart from 
the Commissary. At Kupert he must have learned that the 
party Irom {'onnecticnt. and the (Jreen IMoiintain Boys with 
Allen and Warner, were in advance of him, marching towards 
Ticonderoga, after which he made his lirst attemjjt at r(>crniting. 

He could Jiaf have gone to Stockl. ridge and Bittslield to raise 
men as his friends have claimed. He must have been at Kupert 
eaiin ill tli" (1(1)1 of the >^\\\. for his messenger from there with liis 
letter, reached Fittslield. ahoiit fiO miles distant, early enough t'or 
orders to he issne<l. l.s nieii drafted from each company in the 
regiment, tlie men fitteil out and on tin' march sometime the 
next day, ^Nlay Dth. Xothing short of inicommon dispatch could 
have acromplisjied this in so short a time as two whole days. 

jVs we liave seen, Arnold was at Watertown IMay 4th. at 
Deertield the (ith. Leaving there tlie same day, it re(|uired I'apid 
travelling to climh Hoosac I\rountain. and it'ach Rupi-rt on the 
morning of tlie I'^'tli. a distance of aliont '.Ml miles, nearly the 
whole way tlirougii a rough, unsettled country. 

From Hii[)ert Arnold follovtcd tlie soldiers to C'astleton, ai'riv- 
ing in the evening after the plans for taking the Fort had hei'u 
made and [)artof the forces put in motion for their execution. 
Here Arnold showed his Commission, and by virtue of it de- 
niar.ded the command of the exjiedition. Little respect was 
shown to his claim by the o.'Iicei's, while the men llally i'cfnsed 
to serve unless under their chosen leader. I'^than Allen. 

We will follow Arnold no fnrthei-, Imt give, a iirief account of 
the careei' of the young Commissary, so suddenly laniu'lied on 
the stormy seas of the Ivevohition. Thomas Wells Dickinson, 
son of Capt. 'J'homas Dickinson was boi'ii at Ilatlield, June M, 



60 



17r>l, and named for liis ^'Teat grand father, Thomas "Wells, whose 
commission as Lieut, for Deerfield, signed b}' Gov. Andross, in 
108(5, is in the archives of the Pocnmtnek Valley Memorial As- 
sociation. His grandmother, a daughter of Lieut. Wells was 
tomahawked and scalped by the Indians, at Deerfield, in 1(;!);'>. 
at the age of eight years. She barely survived the terrible in- 
fliction, but recovered after years of suffering. He married Jasi. 
21'), 177'), Thankful, daughter of David Field who, as we have 
seen, was a member of the Massachusetts Provincial Congress. 
After delivering the oxen to the order of Cicn. Arnold as above, 
Mr. Dickinson went immediately to Watertown where Congress 
was then in session. On api)lyiug to the Committee of Safety for 
mone}' to pay for the beef he had bought, he was referred to the 
Committee on Supplies. From them he received S7oO, the exact 
sum he had paid for the oxen, but nothing for time or expenses. 
lie continued in this business until December, r77n. ui.der Com- 
missary Joseph Truml)ull, bu\ing eattle for the Army, and de- 
livering them at Hatfield. "At this time" says INIr. Dickinson 
"I received a letter from Jeremiah Wardsworth, of IJartfoi'd. 
the Commissary General, to repair immediately to that place. 
I reached there the next day, and thei'e met (4en. AVardsworlh 
and Gen. Epaphroditus Champion ; they said to me with ttavs 
in their eyes, that unless I could do something extraordinai-y in 
mj' quarter, in one fortnight, Gen. Washington would be obliged 
to leave the field." This was the darkest jjcriod in the revolu- 
tion ; Washington had been driven from the Jerseys, his arn!\ 
reduced to less than nOOO men, and it seemed that by one moi'e 
move Cornwallis could annihilate it. In this crisis, the energy 
and patriotism of Mr. Dickinson went far towards saving the 
American cause. He told Gen. Wardsworth that, although he 
had not received one penny for his time or expenses, since \\v 
began to buy beef for Col. Arnold, he "would do what he could." 
and in two weeks he delivered one hundred head of cattle to the 
order of the Commissary General, at Hatfiekl. In this service 
he labored until July 1, 1777, when ho volunteered as a soldier 
on the alarm occasioned by the invasion of Lurgoyne. "(^n the 
7th of Jul}' joined the regt. of Col. >Seth Murray, nuistered and 
organized at Churlemont ; marched in that corps to the vicinity 



01 

of Fort Edward on tliL' Hudson, and there met (len. St. Clair, 
on the retreat : moved down tlie Hudson to Stillwater; camped 
for some days meantime, hoth at Moses' Creek and Saratoga 
^Meadows." lie servecl al)out six weeks on this turn, and eleven 
(h\vs in ()>-to'ier following. Ilje was now to servt' under his lirst 
coiinnander, although -in diilerent ea[)acity. duly !>, 17<S(), he 
was eonnnissioned Isi Lieut, in Isaae Newton's Company Col. 
Murray's Kegiment. :;nd stationed at \\'est Point. On the march 
thither, he was detailed to jjin-sue a deiuity Forage ^Master, who 
had stohv.i, and was driving a lot of cattle to the enemy. The 
nunement was successful, and the cattle recovered. 

IJeut. Dickinson was at West Point on the morning of Sept. 
2(). and heard read on paiade. pn-li<ipii from the very Orderly 
Book now owned hy the P. ^^ ]M. Association, the startling 
announcement, that ■'TliEASOX of I lie Ui.ackkst Die iras >/e.s(er- 
(1(11/ dii<c()f(n-('(l ! (Jen. Arnold, who commanded at West Point, 
lost to every sentiment o!" honor, of private and imblic obligation, 
was al)out to delivi'r that im[)ortant post into the hands of the 
enemy." He ivas also on duty when (ic'ueral \\'ashington arri- 
ved fi'om Hartford, a !"e\v days later. 

At the close of the war >.ii-. Dickinson sellled in Deerlield, 
wlr re he liecame a hirge tind prosperous farmer, and took a 
leading part in the allairs of the town. He had been a Captain 
of a mililiiry ciimpany in Deerlield. in 177('). lie was commis- 
sioned Major by (lo\-. Hancock'. May ".'i'. 177''^. and was Lieut. 
Colonel dune 1'.), 17'.ii. which commission he I'esigned Sept. Ki, 
17'.)'.). Of his nine cliildi'en, all liorn in Deerlield, lve\'. Kodol- 
pl'.us Dickinson was t!ie om- most widely kntnvn. Col Dickinson 
dicfl Marcli l!!, Fs;;.") ; his wife Jan. 21, the year following. 

I)KLiii-n:i.i) l)i:c. (i, ISSO. 



A \ oto of thanks was tendered Mr. Sheldon, tind 
his |)aj)er referred to the counnittee on puhlication. 

Mr. Staples declined to ser\e as Secretary, and 
Henry L. Shiiniway was thereupon elected. 



62 

Mr. Staples called the attention of the Society to 
the 260th anniversary of the landing of the Pilgrims, 
and read a portion of Rev. John Pierpont's poem, 
entitled, "The Pilgrim Fathers." Mr. Lovell made 
some very interesting remarks in relation to the 
character of the Pilgrims, claiming that their intln- 
ence is still felt throughont the country, Mr. E. H. 
Thompson was called ujjon and made brief remarks. 
The last meeting for 1880 was then closed. 



CORRESPOXDEXCE. 

Spencek, Mass. Oct. 13, 1880. 

Daniel Seagrave Esq., Sec. Worcester Society of Antiquity ; 

Dear sir : — I have the honor to aclvnowledge the receipt 
of yonr note of the 11th inst., iufonning nie of my election as Corresponding 
member of your Society. I thank the Society nn)st sincerely for this mark 
of respect, and for the opportunity of sharing with its members those labors 
of research -which are so agreeable to me. I shall be pleased to attend your 
meetings, when possible, and to do everything in my power to promote the 
interests of the organization. 

Very respectfully yours, 

G. L. FAXON. 



X^oRTii BiiooKEiEi.i), X"ov. 12, 1880. 
Daniel Seagkave Esq., Secretary, 

Worcester Society of Antiquity, 

Worcester, Mass. 

Dear sir : — I had the honor to be chosen a Corresponding member of your 
Society more than a year ago, but, having contributed nothing to its collec- 
tions, literary or otherwise, perhaps I am outlawed as a corresponding mem- 
ber. However, I have ventured to for\\ard by express, to the address of 
your Librarian, the following : 

1. Two volumes on the long since exploded science, so called, 
of Astrolog}'. 



63 

2. A small vohinic by John Eiinyan, entitled "Si<ilis from Hell ;" 
very riire, I sliould hope. It is probably one of his productions Avrittcn by 
him while in Bedford jail, and \\hicli are "now deservedly eonsii^ned to 
oblivion." 

;>. "'I'wcntieth anniversuj-y sermon, by Rev. A. P. Perkins, at AVare, 
Mass. Dee. .), 187">." 

1. "'l"hc (,'arnival of Crime, a Sernion, by I'ev. .T. ]\I. ]\Ianninfi-, ]*as- 
tor of the f)ld South Clmreh, Boston, June (i, ISTo." 

•'). "A Sermon preaehed at Brookfield, on the last day of the yeiir 
177o, by Nathan Fiske, A. M." This sermon has furnished the basis of all 
discourses on the subject of the Indian troid)les in Brooktield, that have 
been written since that date, so far as I have seen them. 

(). "An Oration, delivered by (ien. Francis A. Walker, at the Sol- 
diers Monument Dedication, in North lirooktield, Jan. 19, 1880; also, the 
Addresses of ilis Excellency, A\'m. ('laflin, (Jen. Chas. Devens, and others; 
witli a brief account of the Celebration." 

Trusting" the al^iove, if not vahiable, may not be wholly unacceptable, I am. 

Yours very respectfully, 

CIIAllLES ADAMS Ju, 



AvitriiN, N. Y. Nov. lo, 1880. 

D.nr sir; — Yours of tlie !ltli inst. informint!; nie of the action of The Wor- 
cester Society of .Vnticjiiity in. electing me a Correspondinu; meniber is recei- 
ved. Please extend my thanks to the President and memljcrs of the Soci- 
ety for the honor conferred, with the assurance that I shall be happy to send 
them, at no very distant date, something in regard to the early history of 
this city, and the cu-cumstarjces attending its settlement and sidjseqnent 
grov.tl;. 

I am very truly yours, 

T. E. St. JOHN. 

I):niicl Seagrave Escp, Sec. WOr. Soc. Antiipiity. 



AriuuN, N. v., Nov. 27, 1880. 

?*Iy dkau SK.\r;i!Avi-. :^I have the pleasure of transmitting to The AVorces- 
ter Society of Anticiuity, throaigh you, tlie tirst Annual Report of the Cayuga 
County Histoiical Society, together with a copy of one of their first pub- 
lications — "The IIardenb"rgh Journal" of Sullivan's campaign against the 
Indians during the Revolution, This Society is devoting itself at present to 
historical res(>areh among the archives of Cayuga County, and endeavoring 



64 

to preserA'e a record of the men and means by wliieh their own City and 
County have reached their present degree of prosperity. 

I was at the last meeting of the Society, and received a very cordial wel- 
come. It is composed of men of influence and high standing in the coni- 
munity who are interested in the work. I'apers have been read on thi' 
growth of the manufacturing interests, the financial history of the city, the 
early Indian settlers, the temperance movement, and at the next meeting a 
paper is to be read on the Inventors of Auburn. They expect to have a pa- 
per at each meeting, and have been successful therein so far in their history. 

Col. Hardenbergh, whose journal I send you, was the first white settler in 
this region, and the place was called "Hardenberg's Corners," it being a part 
of the town of Aurelius until the year 1805, when, on the removal of the 
county seat from Aurora to this place, it took the name of Auburn. It is 
said that the name was given by one of Goldsmith's admirers, who really 
believed that this was indeed "the lovliest village of the plain." 

With kind regards, I am 

Very truly yours. 

T. E. St. JOHN. 






DEPARTMENT IIVAH )RTS. 



UKI'OIIT 0\ AltCII.KOLOCy AM) (i HXKIiAf. IIIHTdUV. 

'I his I )c|i;ii-1iiiciitc:iii r(|»()rl no cspccinl pro^^rcss diiriii-j,- llic 
pust ycrii-. Sonic bot^ks and iKiiiiplilcls on tlic oc-ncral siilijccl 
of .'ii'clia'olo<iV liavc Itccn addcfl to tlic Lilirary, and onr (•(jIIcc- 
tiwii of Indian relies lias increased, lnil hardly anylhinti; has hceii 
acconi|)lislu-d in tiic way of oi'itiinal research. Perhaps, how- 
ever, as niiM'li has l)e(-n done in Ihis direclioii as conid l»e ex- 
peeled considciiiiLi' 1|ie li)iiiled nie:nis at onr coininand. 

It is <.jraliryiii.2' to know that oilier or<j,aniy,alions more favored 
in this [larticnlai' aic \ ij^or<Misly pnshinu' the work of investi- 
uation. The nio^t inipoilanl oi'lhese in this connlr\' are tlie 
Sinithsonian In-^tilnl ion. the i'ealiody .Miisenni of .Anicrican 
Arcll;eolo^iy■ and iJlinolo'jy. ainl the .\ relia ()lo;iical liisliliile of 
Aineii'-;!. The t wo fornii-r in>!il iilions ai'e well known lo all 
stmlenl- of arc|ia'o|<);iy. ami the hitler seems deslincfl to he not 
less famous. thonL!,h of Ncry recent oiiL;iii. I'ein;^ in fact Icsm Ihan 
two yeais did. Ihis soeiely has a!i<'ad\' sent onl one expedition 
for the pnrpo.>e ol'scicnl ilie study, and is now prepariii'i another. 
-Much may he expected from such an enlei|irisiii^ inslilnlioii. 
ft is also wcji'liiy of note in this place Ihal onr naticjnal jioveni- 
liienl is furnishing' important aids to arc|i;i'oloMiic;d research in 
certain parts of tli" counlry, particularly the West, liy meansof 
the surveys and ex|)lorat ir)ns anmially cari'ie<l on nndir the di- 
rection of experieiiccfl and skilfnl enLiineci's. 

While so many and so important ai^icncies are opcralin;^' in 
rnrlheranee of arelneolo^iical investiiialion we may deiive some 
satisfaction from the tlioniiht that oiii' own altsence from the 
field of lalior will hardly he missed. This should not. however, 
cause ns to sink into lelliarj.'.y. Iml <ni (he contrary, it should 
stimulate us to greater activity, in order tliat we may if possiMc 
maki' onr exist(ncc fell in the iic.m' fiiliire. 



6(j 



The suggestion inude in my last reijort in n^gani to tlie desir- 
ability of our gathering material relating to i)olitiea! history has 
been fruitful in results. A large collection of pampiilets having 
reference to the recent i)residential cam[)aign has been added to 
the librar3", as well as a number of documenls i-eferring to pre- 
vious elections. Several b<jund volumes have also been received, 
and sets of ballots used at the last election have been contribu- 
ted from various quarters. If eontril)utions continue in the same 
proportion in the future as they have in the past, the historical 
brancli of this Department will S(jon comi)letely sur[)ass the 
archtelogical branch in the inportance of its collection. 

It is much to l)e hoped that the present year will witness an 
increased general interest in the department work ; that each 
member will exert himself to do all he can to help on the cause ; . 
and that we may be able at the end of another twelve months to 
report some real progress. 

CHA11LE8 R. JOHXSOX, Cliairmaii. 



1 




67 

REPOItT OX LO(;.VL HISTORY AND (iI']XE.VLOG Y, 



As C'luiirinan of the Dopartment of Local History ami Gcno- 
alouv I leel that it is hardly necessary at this time to make a re- 
port in writini!,'. and were it not that the rules ol'tiiis organization 
require it, I should let it pass by, leaving the rich ripened fruit 
of tlie department to form its own exhibit. I can, however, with 
pleasure, call your attention anew to some of tlie work that has 
been going on during tlie })ast year. Certainly' this department 
has not l)een inactive, for more work has been accomplished in 
tlie way of preserving and publishing items of local signilicance 
than we at one time dared to hope for. 

Several members of the Society have made most enjo3'ablc 
trips to the neighboring town of Oxfoid, for the purpose of col- 
lecting additional items relating ta tlie IIiio;uenot settlement, in 
that town in KhSC. This work has not ])een completed, and an- 
other excursion to that point will be looked forward to with great 
interest. Tlu' very valuable historical paper, consisting of rem- 
iniscences of the dry gcjods trad(> in Worcester, prepared b^- ]\Ir- 
Henry II. ChamV>eilin ;iiid read liy him before this Society', May 
4tli. is a desirable ac(juisitioii to our stock of local histoiy, espec- 
ially valuable because of its relation to the entt'iprise and indus- 
try of many of the prominent and successful business men of 
Woi'cester. Other meml)ers of the Deiiartment have been some 
time at work on other suly'ects, but owing to more pressing du- 
ties have not been able to complete anything as yet, but we hope 
to hear fi'om tliem at no very distant day. 'llie elTort for col- 
lecting siu-h items of local interest as may lie found in print, and 
preserving them in the form of scrap-book for the b(>iietil of the 
Society, is still in active progress. 

liiit the most important work to be mentioiUMl, and one of ex- 
traoi'dinary merit, is the [)rinting of Xos. <'. it .S of our rublica- 
tions. the Early Records of the Town of Worcester," comprising 
l)()oks 1 it '2 of the original ri'cords of the town, l>eginiiing ^lay, 
172-2. and I'liding ^lay, IT.")."!. This work, iucluding indexes, 
Covers 2S7 octavo pages, and is a veiiiatim production of the 



(i8 



original document; also ^'.os. 1) & 10 being parts 1 & 2 of the 
Proprietor's Records, which liegin much earlier, the first date 
being 1G67, and the last one given in part 2 being May 2, 1710. 
The last named numbers cover 152 octavo paoes, and are full of 
diagrams illustrating the shape of almost every lot described in 
the work. It is the intention to extend the work to the year 
1788. This work alone is of immeasurable value, and would do 
honor to an}' kindred organization in the country. It is ear- 
nestly' hoped that Mr. Rice ma}- be encouraged to complete the 
worthy task he has undertaken, that we may have a full printed 
record of the town of Worcester, including the Proprietor's Rec- 
ords, at least up to the year 1800. The very neat, attractive 
and thorough workman-like manner in which 31 r. Rice puts forth 
his work is highly creditable both to himself and the Society. 

Comparatively few institutions like our own, w-ith no greater 
resources, could accomplish more, and many of them with great- 
er advantages have done far less. Our success thus far has been 
in having the right men in the right places, and the noble work 
goes on. 

Respectfully submitted, 

ELLERY B. CRANE, Chahman. 




09 

KErOKT ON AXCIT.NT MA N ISCIUI'TS, rtlil.ICATlONS AND KNCiUAVINGS. 



Original Maiiusciipts, written previous to the discovery of 
liriiitiiig-, hiiving- any iiitiiiisie value in tiieuiselves, by reason ot 
thcii' literary merit oi- liistoi-ieal signilieanee, slionkl not only be 
j)reser\-e(l with the grt'atest care, in Iheir original form, Init 
either printed as the Karly Records of Worcester have been, or 
neatly copied into books i)rociired for tiiat i)ur[)ose. Such cop- 
ies will become exceedingly valuable in case the original is de- 
stroyed or lost, though never as valuable as the document itself, 
for tlic I'eason that original pai)ers possess a value not perceived 
I>y oi'dinai'v observers. They not only rei)resent and express 
the tlunight of the author, but ever}' word and letter is but the 
shadow of an identity belonging only to him who stood between 
it aii<] the light that inspired the words thus recorded. But the 
copying or printing of a written document, however important 
it may l»e. is absolutely mechanical, and may be performed b}^ 
those who cannot com[)relu'nd its meaning ; but great thoughts, 
clothed in words adequate to transmit the varying shades of 
genius to minds less cultivated, standing as they were lirst traced 
and rei)reseuted liy the author, are ahvays worthy of respect 
and admiration. 

It is evidently the duty of the members of the l)e})artnient I 
represent, to collect and presei've all historical manuscript that 
may rightfully come into their possession for such purpose, and 
to copy those of rare quality belonging to others. A few words 
from some memorandum book will fretiuently make clear pages 
of doul)t. and explode theories long since crystalized into com- 
mon belief. The historian is alwa^'s troubled with an overllow 
of aggressive tradition, clamoring for ado[)tion with such a de- 
gree of plausibility as to mislead many an able writer. 

There is nothing more satisfactory to the student of local his- 
tory than to tind some rare manusci'i[)t explanatory of occur- 
rences about which traditions fail to agree ; and we can perform 
no more acceptable service than that of verifying all historical 
niattei- with which we deal, by some original record. 

CLARK JILbSON. Chairman. 



TO 

RErORT ON RELICS, COINS AND CURIOSITIES. 



The report of your committee on relics, coins and cariosities, 
may seem rather meagre in detail, but we are still in existence, 
and from time to time receiving additions to our stock on hand, 
from various sources. Since our last report we see a goodly list 
of articles pertaining to this department, and alread}' tlatter our- 
selves that in our collection there is much of particular and val- 
uable interest not only to us, but many things which will furnish 
available information to the present and succeeding generations. 
Not alone do our own members i)erseveringly accumulate and 
add to our possessions, but we know that many friends outside 
of this Society have culled over the castaway rubbish of garrets 
and store rooms, selecting from their libraries and making re- 
search in desks and drawers to glean something for our cabinet, 
all of whom have our hearty thanks for such e.Torts and contri- 
butions. AVe alread}' realize thnt this department in a society 
like our own, is one in which the antiquarian will at once lake 
an interest, and we believe we have proof that there is need of 
just such a repository as we design to make of Ihis. If the spy- 
ing is true that "all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy." 
we may safely assert that in some future da}' the thinking schoiiir 
will turn his wearied mind from the books in our library to these 
same relics and curiosities, and in studying them he will tind 
much of pleasure and profit ; they will tell him much of the busy 
working life of those who have posessed and used these curious 
articles, each of which has had its specific purpose. In this col- 
lection we find there is much pertaining to the gone by life and 
habits of the former residents of our own locality, telling by the 
rudeness of design and finish the peculiarities of the circunistMii- 
ces and ingenuity of the designers and manufacturers. These 
various articles, seemingly of small consequence in themselves, 
have sometimes a value which nothing else posesses, in forming 
the connecting links in the chain of progressive art, need and 
application. The old plow and loom of our lurefathers,'when 
placed side by side on exhibition with those of niodci-n invention 



1 



and use. tell (heir own stcjiv ot'tlie usuMlncated lahors ol' the ije- 
iiiiis who lashioned them : and it s[)eaks in a voice of encour- 
a<>'enient to the yonth oTorn'owii time, to improve their minds 
and time, so that tlie fniitsj)!" their manly laliors will show to 
those w!io shall come ;dTer them that they have made an ad- 
vancement in conformity to tlu-ir advantages. 

Wo onrsclves look with interest ujion these coins, relic-.s and 
curiosities, which have accunuilated in onr cahinet, as the cast- 
away projterty of a |)ast and* i)assin<i- iicneration. and we are 
confident as the years roll l>v there will cluster ai-ound this inu- 
seum. thinking, studious minds who will appi'eeiatc! our enerav 
and endcavo]-s in that direction. The old Scotch ada<2:e, "niony 
a little mak's a nieikle," is verified in the accumulation of the 
variety of articles in this department. 

By referring to the list of donors and their gifts, I find the 
names of many memhers of oui- Societvi showing that there is no 
lack of interest in individual members in liringing together and 
deiiositing with us their own i)ersonal collections, thus making 
this cabinet a general garner-house, so to speak, of the "wheat" 
of historical industry and invention, separated from the "chaff" 
of useless and nonsensical endeavoi-s showing neither calculation, 
tact or design, — a sort of chaotic conglomeration ot brain power 
exhibited by the animal Man in the dim past, when the cave- 
dwellers and the dirt-eaters were but a trifle superior in intellect 
to the many other animals of the wilds which contributed food 
and shelter alike to man and beast, both savage and barbarous. 

These relics, singly and enmasse have a specific and aggregate 
A\alue, combining utility wdth seeming uncouthness, instruction 
with amusement. It is not alone a matter of to-day that we are 
interested in gathering and classif^ving these odds and ends of 
curious things which we treasure here with care. 

We have among them two handsomely carved powder horns, 
made in camp by soldiers and used during the revolutionary war ; 
one, the gift of Mrs. Milton Tucker of our city, finely engraved 
with a view of the buildings on l)oi-chester heights ; across the 
bay Boston is represented, the three elevations of the town be- 
ing a prominent feature in the picture. This horn has the fol- 
low'ing engraved upon a panel at the upper or small end ; "Abel 



Scott, hi.s horn, Dorchester, Dec. 2(i, 177')." It has the original 
leather strap and stopper, and is every way perfect and well 
preserved. The other, from one of our niemhers. Frank J. 
Kinney, demands more than a passing notice as a work of art 
of its kind. I should feel safe in stating that for elaborate en- 
graving and perfect preservation it would be no easy matter to 
procure from any source its equal as a relic of the revolution. 
This horn has a finely carved bottom of red cedar wciod, with 
all the original mountings, worsted strap, and wooden stopi)er 
secured to the horn by a leathern thong. On it is erigravcd in 
ten lines miming from the base to the neck in ornamented cap- 
ital letters, the fc^llowing inscription: || Lieu*'* Ezra « Beaman * 
his * horn |1 made » at .* Fox * Poynt * so ; calH 1| in * Dorchester * 
September || the 30 y" 1775 [^in Thoma® Ciage* || war who came 
to Boston y'" American^ || for to enslave and take their rights || 
away || made by || ]MicaU || Briard.jl 

These are things which carry our thoughts back to the infant 
colony whose souls were tried in the Itlood}- battle of Bunker 
Hill and the long \ear of suifering and hardship which ensued, 
serving to link togethei' the thirteen States which took the lead in 
usurping and establishing a national independence which is our 
boast and pride. 

Coins and medals having once served an especial pui-puse and 
then laid aside giving place to others are instructive reminders 
of the advancement of the physical and political economy winch 
is the corner stone and foundation upon which we have builded 
our nationality'. We look with interest at the so called confed- 
erate currency of which we have received during the past yeai' 
many specimens, tangible reminders of the break in the fraternal 
interests and good feeling which occui-red a few years ago, cast- 
ing for the time a stain upon the good name of our domestic re- 
lations. These jars of nations and individuals by such visil)le 
proofs are stamped upon history's page, and, like tlie ancient 
hieroglyphics of Egypt will unfold a book of living pictui-es to 
be read long after the present actors have passed o!f the stage 
of action. This then is tlie information we ai'c contributing to 
posterity', to be read when nothing else can l)etter tell our life- 
story, and it is these memorial tablets we are preserving which 



/ o 

when properly arrniiiicd niid flassilied will convey to the iiiiiid 
of the observant student of lil'e-histoi'y whole volunies of iilns- 
trated hifoniiation coneerninu' ihe times and peo|)le who have 
made and nsed tlieni. \Ve might eite in e<nnparison a hook 
without i)ictnres to show the value of a historical cabinet con- 
taining specimens of the handi-work of man's need and invention. 
There are many contribntions of which we shonhl teel [)rond 
to speak in detail, but time lbrl)iils more than a [)assing notice, 
and yet there an' articles of histoi-ical and mechanical signiti- 
cance that (h'serve more attention. iNIinerals and [)etrifactions 
have and will always hoKl a liigii rank among "the I'ccords that 
tell ns of the foinnation and gi'owth of the past ages. Tools and 
instrnmcnts convey an idea of the ability, genius and re(inire- 
nients of the age in which they were fashioned. Here are rel- 
ics of the Aborigines of our own conntry, gathered, many of 
them, in this locality, and while contrasting the stone arrow 
head, the stone axe and tomahawk, with the steel weapons of 
warfare wliicli were used by our grandfathers during the wars 
and skii-mishes between Indians and white men, it oi)ens a page 
of history which shows at a glance the improvement which fol- 
lows in tlie footsteps of a civiH/.ation uhich at some former time, 
ad\ ant-ing through successive ages, has si)rung from barbarism. 

IIEXltY I^IIKLPS. Chairman. 






u 



TREASURER'S REPORT. 



To THE Officers axd ]ME:\ir,Eits of 

The Worcester Society of Axti(,)Uitv. 

Gentlemen: — Agreeable to the requirements of the Bv-hiws of 
this Society, I herewith submit this 1113- fifth Annual Report, 
showing the receipts and expenditures of the Societ^y, from Dec. 
2d, 1870, to Dec. 7th, IMSO, as follows:— 



Cash Received. 
1880. Dr. 

Assessments, . . . Slo<S,00 
Admission Fees, . . 16,00 

Donation, 3,00 

Sale of Proceedings, . 14,20 
Tem'y Loan of Treas. 143,95 



^315,1') 



Cash Paid. 

1880. Or. 

Rent and Gas, . . $160,25 
Newspapers & Station'ry, 12,38 

Printing, 90,30 

Book & Pamphlet covers, 25,27 
Express and Postage, . 10,27 
Loan of Treasurer, 1879, 16,68 

1315,15 



There are accounts to the amount of $125,00 due the Treas- 
urer at this date. 

Respectfully submitted, 

JAMES A. SMITH. Treasurer. 



LIBRARIAN'S REPORT. 



Your Libnu'iiin respcctl'ully sul)inits the following 
Report : — 

Thei-e have i)ecn issued during; the ptist year l)y the Society, 
j)iil»!ieatioiis, as i'ollows : rioccediiigs of" The AVoreester Societ}" 
of Antiquity, for the year 1879, No. VII. Karly Records of the 
Town of AVorcester, Book II. 1740-170;?, Xo \lll. Records of 
the Pi'oprietors of Worcester, l*art I., No. IX. Records of the 
I'rojjrietors of Worcester, Part II., No. X. 

There have been donated to the Society during the year, 133 

l.ouiid Volumes, 1007 Pamphlets, 1.") volumes of Magazines, GO 

miscellaneous articles, 4 Portraits, and 7 Maps. A list of the 

donors and societies with whom exchanges have been made are 

herewith appended. A card catalogue of the Library was begun 

some months since and will soon be completed, adding much to 

the usefulness of our coli«ctions. I can only repeat the sugges- 

ti<ni of last ye;ir in iclatinn to more commodious quarters, as 

many of our books are almost inaccessil»le on account of the lack 

of proper shelf room. 

Respectfully submitted, 

ALBERT A. LOVELL, Librarian. 
Worcester, Dec. 7, 1880. 



D O N A T I O N S 



AcADKMY OF SciEXCE, St Louis. ^b). — Transactions, Yob lA'. No. L Con- 
tributions to the Arclr.eolosy of Missouri, Part I. 

Adams, Hex. Chaki.ks, Jk., North Orookfiekl, Mass. — 1 vohinie, History of 
Antrim, N. II., 3 ancient voknnes, 1 pamphlets. 

Allen Chakles A. — 1 pamphlet. 

Amewcax Antiquarian Society. — Procccdmgs, Nos. 74 and 75. 

Ammidown, Hon. Holmes, New York City. — 28 Stereoscopic A'icws, St. Au- 
gustine, Florida, his Historical Collections, second edition, 2 vols.. 



7G 



AsTOR Library, New York City. — Annual Report. 

Bacon, Emily, Charlton Mass. — 3 Almanacs, one sermon. 

Baker, Mrs. Frances M. — 1 volume. 

Baker, ^Irs. Milton, Athol, Mass. — Revolutionary powder horn of Abel 

Scott. 
Baldwin, Charles C. — i volumes. 
Barton, William S. — -2 volumes Holmes' Annals, 2 vols. Whij^' Almanac, 

1843-1860,' 2 vols. Tribune do. 1861-1880. 
Bates, Phineas Jr.. Boston. — 3 pamphlets. 
BiCKNELL, TnoMAg W., Boston. — BickncU Genealogy. 
Boston jNIarine Society. — 1 volume. 
BoswoRTH F. A., M. D., Webster Mass. — 12 pamphlets. 
Brock, R. A., Richmond, Va. — Register of Confederate Dead, interred in 

Hollywood Cemetery, Richmond Va., 11 Nos. Richmond Standard. 
Chandler, George, M. D. — 2 Portraits. 
Clemence, Henry ^I. — 8 volumes, 10 pamphlets. 
CoE, S. Hamilton. — Collection of ballots. 
Cook, Norton L. — ^3 geological specimens, 1 map, 1 pamphlet and several 

broadsides. 
Crane, Ellery B. — 3 volumes. 20 pamphlets, 2 broadsides, 1 scrap book, 

a lot of ballots. 
De Costa Rev. B. F., New York city. — His Cabo de Boxos. 
Dodge, Benjamin J. — 2 volumes, 10 pamphlets. 
Drew, Thomas, Boston. — 27 pamphlets. 

Essex Institute, Salem, Mass. — Essex Bulletin as published. 
Evans, H. N. — 2 Almanacs. 
Faxon, G. L., Spencer, Mass. — 1 volume. 
Fenno, C W., Orange, N. J. — 1 pamphlet. 
Forbes & Co., Boston. — Map of Boston. 

Garrigue, Rudolph, Morrisania N. Y., The Historical Magazine, 1867-1874. 
GoDDARD, D. A. .Boston. — 1 jDamiihlet. 
Gould, Mrs. R. M. — Two photographs. 
Green, Samuel S. — One pamphlet, his "Relations of the Public Library to 

the public Schools." 
Harding, William B., Esq. — Reprint of ^^'orcester Spy, JMay 3, 177."). 
Harris Clarendon. — 2 volumes, almanacs. 

Hartwell G. W. & Stiles, Mrs. Caroline. Oxford, Mass. — 4 volumes. 
Harvard L^niversity, Librarian of. — Library Bulletin. 
Haven, Samuel F. — Buckskin knee-breeches, worn by Bossinger Foster. 
Historical Society of Pennsylvania. — Pennsylvania Mag. Vol. IV. No. 1-2. 
Howard, Joseph Jackson, L L. D., London, England. — I\Iiscellanea Gcne- 

alo"ia et Hcraldica, 1880, 12 nos. 



I I 

IIowK, "W'li.i.iAM B. — oO oatitloui^'.'s, 21 Mnniismatif JoTtnials. 

IIoxii;, Eben W. — ("opy of protest a.i!;aiiist Slavery, 16S.S. 

Hudson, IIox. Chahi.ks, Lexington, Mass. — His Sketch of^Iajor Pitcairn. 

Hydk, Mrs. Fred. G., Oxford, Muss. — Pclritied wood from Placer Co. Cal. 

JiLi.sox, Hox. Clark. — ."> vokimcs, 52 old and rare pamphlets, one manu- 
script sernjou. Granite Monthly, vohl?, 4 nos. vol. 4, specimen of peculiar 
growth of pine, 3 historical illustrated papers, door latches, ijiatch plane, 
hollow and round plane; wooden shuttle and spool, cattle tics, tapping 
gouge, hatchet head and knife, all ancient. 

JiLi.sox, Fraxklix C. — 100 ;nnateur newspapers. 

JoHXsox, Charles R., Esq. — 1 volume, 12 pamphlets, 1,") college publications, 
various political circulars. 

JoHxsox, CoL. T. S. — 2 confederate bonds, 4 Georgia bonds. 

IvELLr.v, Hox. Fraxk II. His inaugural address as INIayor of Worcester, I8.S0. 

Kexdali,. Mrs. .Mary T. — 1 uianuscript, 1 medal. 

Ketcuu.m, Rev. Silas, Pocjuonock, Conn. — His "Original Sources of His- 
tory" manuscript, bound and printed copy, his "Paul on Mars Hill," his 
■'Historic Masonry," 47. circulars and broadsides. 

KixxEY, Fraxk J. — Revolutionary powder horn of lieut. Kzra 15eaman. 

Kxuiirr, C. B. — 1 Milunie. 

liAWREXCE, E. R. — 1 volume. 

Lee. Paruox A. — Pair of ancijiit dividers, tile of Worcester Daily Times, to 
Xov. 1. ].S7'J, pocket book. 10 pamphlets, newspaper clippings, ballots, 
army buckle, briar wood knot, one large chair. 

LiNcoi.x. Gex. Yt'iLLiAM S. — His "Thirty Fourth Mass. Infantry in the ^\'ar 
of the liebellion. 

liOVELL, Albert A. — Ills "American Patriot and Loyal Briton," 23 pam- 
phlets. r>6 newspapers. 

JIaxx. .\. G. — Breech loading ritie. flint lock. 

^Iarhle, Albert P., Ph. L). — His Address on Kearneyism in Education, 
public school papers, 121 pamphlets. 

Marshall, E. 11. — 3 volumes, .1.5 pamphlets. 2. old almanacs, 1.5 ]\Iass. doc- 
uments. 1 broadside. 

!Masox, Joseph, Esa. — 1 volume, his Worcester County Bar. 

Messexger, D. S. — 1 volume, .5 old almanacs. 

^Minnesota IIistoisical .Society. — Collections, Vol. III. part 3. 

Moore, Philip. — 1 volume. 

XewF.xglaxd Historic (iEXEALooic.u, Society. — Register, Vol. XXXIV., 
I'roceedings, Jan. 7, IS.SO. biographical sketch of Joel Munsell. 

New Hampshire Axtiqiariax Society. — Aiuiual address of the I'resident, 
Rev. Sila.s Ketchum, Julv ].5, l.'<7'.). 



78 

New York State Librauy. — Cciitoniiial celebrations, State of New York, 
the correct coat of arms of the State of New York, 60th and 61st reports 
New York State Library, catalogue of New York State Library, subject 
index of the general library, 1872, journals of the Legislative Council of 
New York, 1691-1743; 1743-1770. 

O'Flynn, llicHARD. — File of Worcester Daily Times, 2 tiks of Fair papers. 
Notary Seal ot" Joseph Trumbull, 2 packages of ballots. 

Paine-, NatiIaniel. — 1 volun\e, 21 pamphlets, Paine Family llecords, Nos. 
VI, YII. VIII., one magazine, 13 war envelopes. Rose of Washington, 2 
cards, 1 old wood cut, his Mathor publications, library of Am, Antiq, So- 
ciety, 1 map, 3 portraits. 

Peck, Augustus E. — 1 pamphlet. 

Peirce, Hon, Henry B. — 13 volumes jMass. docimients. 

Phelps, Henry. — Pair of slippers made of rattle snake skin, cartridge and 
ball Bull Run July 21, LS61, cartridge and ball 6 Mass. Reg't Baltimore 
April 19, 1861, two rilie balls found at Fort Fisher, baggage check frcm 
depot at Alexandria Va. taken by a sergeant of 5th Mas, Reg't, gun strap 
6th Mass. Reg't Baltimore, April 19, 1861. 

Pratt, Hon. Charles B. — His valedictory address as Mayor of Worcester. 

Prince, Lucien, — 1 volume. 

Providence Athen^um. — Report of 45th annual meeting, 

Putnam, C. W. — 3 volumes. 

Putnam, Samuel H. — 2 volumes. 

Putnam & Davis. — 12 volumes, 191 pamphlets, one large unfinished pen and 
ink drawing, 2 packages Old Farmer's Almanac, 1879-1880, numerous 
miscellaneous papers. 

Rhode Island Historical Society. — Proceedings, 1879-1880. 

Rice, Franklin P. — 100 numbers Worcester Spy, wood cuts used in illus- 
trating the R 'cords of the Proprietors of Worcester. 

Rice, Hon. W. W, — 8 volumes IT. S. documents. 

Roe, Alfred S., A. M.— Wesleyan University Alumni Records. 

Salisbury, Hon, Stephen. — 12th and 13th annual reports of the trustees of 
the Peabody Museum of American Archirology and Ethnology. 

Salisbury, Stephen, Jr. — 4 volumes, his Chronology of Central America, 
and Mexican Copper tools. North American Review, as issued. 

Seagrave, Daniel. — 3 volumes, numerous reports. 

Sheldon, Hon. George, Deerfield, Mass. — Cast of an Indian Pot. 

Shumway, H, L. — 7 volumes, 175 pamplilets, 3 maps, 5 newspapers. 

Smith, J. G. — 3 volumes, 1 pamphlet, 2 broadsides. 

Smith, Samuel. — Section of screw used to press a mammoth cheese pre- 
sented to Thomas Jefferson. 

Sprague, Gen, A, B. R. — 1 volume. 

Staples, Hon. Hamilton B. — 1 pamphlet. 



79 



Staples, RAMria. E. — His Ancient rsalniody and Hyninolugy of New Eng- 
land, his prize essay for the most humane and praetieal plan for ridding 
our country of the evil of intemperance, with manuscript of same, IHoO, 
')! pam])hlets, ;'. newspapers, ;i manuscri])ts, 2 broadsides. 

Stii.ks, Mrs. Fkaxcis and EifA-Vfis Jk. — S volumes, ancient hannner. 

StJohn, lli:v. Thomas ]•]., Aidmin, X..?Y. — Collections of Cayuga County 
Historical Society, No. 1, First Anmnil meeting of Cayuga County His- 
torical Society, constitution and by-laws. 

Stoxe, Augustus. — 12 volumes, oG pamphlets, 1 magazines, 5 newspapers, 
13 confederate bills, 1 wood cut, 2 framed pictures, 4 maps. 

SuMNEK, Geoiige. — 18 volumes, 17 pamphlets, 1!) magazines, large collection 
of Worcester newspapers. 

Sweet. II. A.— Esquimaux canoe, geological specimen, 1 cane. 

Thompson', Francis. — 1 newspaper. 

TiLDEX, W. S., Medford, ]Mass. — ^1 pamphlet. 

TiLLixfjn.\sT, C. 13., Boston. — 13 voliunes JMass. Election Sermons 1751-1780 
bouiid, catalogue of Mass. State Library, 1880. 

TucKEK, Ephriam. — 1 volume. 

Tyler, Rev. Albert. — 1 pamphlet, 1 calendar and almanac. 

Tyler & Seagkave. — :'> volumes, pamphlet, papers, briefs S;c. 

Vermont Historical Society. — Proceedings, October 19, 1880. 

Waitic, C. a. — Confederate currency and bond. 

Weshy, Edward. — 2 pamphlets. 

Wesry, J. S. & Son. — 2 volumes, 34 pamphlets, 1 engraving, 

AViLDEP.. Harvey B. — 1 old deed, 17-54, 17 pamphlets. 

Wood, Francis.- — 1 oil painting, framed. 

Yeomans, a. B., Oxford, Mass.- — Indian Arrow Head fouiul on Fort Hill. 
(Xxford, :Mass. 




80 
RESOLUTIONS. 

The following Resolutions were presented by Mr, 
Lovell, and unanimously sidopted, at the Regular 
Meeting lield January 4, 1881. 

Whereas, the Hon. Clark Jillson, who hiis served this Society 
as its President for the past two years, has decliaed a re-election 
to that oflice, it is therefore 

Resolved, That the thanks of this Society be extended to Hon. 
Clark Jillson for the able, earnest and faithfnl manner in which 
he has watched over its interests as its President, and for the 
many benefits which v,-e as a society" have received at his hands. 

Resolved, That to his wise connsels. untiring energy, gener- 
osity, and la])ors in season and out of season, is this Society 
largely indebted for the prosperity it enjoys, and in his retire- 
ment as expressing our appreciation of his services, we can only 
sa}' "Well done." 

Resolved, That these resolutic^iis be placed npon the records 
of the Society, and that tlu>3' be published in tlie Annual Pro- 
ceedings for ISSO. , 

Whereas, Mr. Daniel Seagrave, having served as Secretary 
of this Society from its organization in 1.S75 to the present time, 
has desired to be released from further service as recording ofli- 
cer, and has declined a re-election as such, it is 

Resolved, That the thanks of this Society be extended to Mr. 
Daniel Seagrave for the faithful and conscientious manner in 
which he has performed the duties of Secretai-y. and for the ac- 
tive interest he has ever manifested in its affairs. 

Resolved, That to Mr. Seagrave as one of the prime movers 
in the formation of this organization, great ci'edit is due for the 
foresight and faith which he manifested, which tlie history ol" Die 
Society has proved to have been well founded. 

Resolved, That these resolutions l)e jjlaced upon the records 
of the Society, and that they be published in the Annual Pro- 
ceedings for 1880. 



INDEX TO PROCEEDINGS. 



1880. 



Adams, Hon. Charles Jr., 19, 51, f,;$. 
Adjour)icd Annual INIeeting, 56. 
Allen, Kev. George, 14, 17,' I'J, 20 22, 

27, 44, 51, .")2. The American 

people to him indebted, 14. 
Allen, Joseph, 31. 
Allen, Samuel, 17. 
Allen, Samuel Jr., 32. 
American Antiquarian Society. 10,1 2. 
Ancient Manuscripts, Pulilications 

and Engravings, Report, GD. 
Andross, Gov., 60. 
Anniversary of the landing of the 

Pilgrims observed, 62. 
Annual Address of Tres't Jillson. i). 
Annual assessment voted, ■")4. 
Annual meeting, 54. 
A Hide to the Nipmuck Land, a poem 

by Henry M. Smith, 45. 
Arclupology and General History, 

lleport, 65. 
Arnisby, J. M. C, 20. 
Authority for Departments to report 

in print, granted. 62. 



B 



Baldwin, Charles C, 88. 54. 
15a](hvin, John D. & Sons. ol. 
Ballard, John S. ;!0. 
Baltimore, account of a visit to 
Baltimore, hospitality of, 5i5. 
Bancroft. Eliza, :;2. k). 
Bancroft, House. :',',',. 
Barber, Silas, 17 
Barnard, Sumner & Co., ',]o. 
Barnard. Mai. Salah. 58. 
Bartletl. AVilliam H.. 54. 
Barton. Ednumd M., 12, 22. 



Barton, V\'illiam S., 54. 
Beaman, Lieut. Ezra, 72. 
Belle of Worcester, ;5!). 
Bell Pond, water from, 32. 
Blaekstone Canal, 34. 
Blanchard, Darwin C, 24. 
Bondet, Daniel, Huguenot pastor, 42. 
Bondet Hill, 42. 
Bosworth, Dr. Fisher A., 40. 
Bradford, Gov. ^\■illiam, 22. 
Brazer, Sanuiel, 28, 31. 
Brinley, George Sen., 28. 
Brown, Albert, 37. 
Brown, John, anniversary of his ex- 
ecution, 55. 
Brown, John, (of Pittsfield)57. 
Brown, Theophilus, 37. 
Brown, William, 37. 
Brown, William T., 37. 
Brown, & Co., 34. 
Bryant, George P. & Co., 3G. 
Burbank, George G., 37. 
Butman. Benjamin, 17, 28. 
Butnum Benjamin, iV Co., 32. 



Caldwell, William, 27. 

Calvinist Church, when built, ;!1. 

Campl)ell, !Mrs. Celestina, 57. 

Campbell, James, 17. 

Chamberlin, Henrv H., 18, 1!), 20, 22, 

27, 35, 3)S, 52^ 67. 
Champion, Epaphroditas, 60. 
Chapin, Lewis, 17. 
Chase Anthony, 31. 
Chandler, Dr. George, 56. 
Chittenden, Hon. L. E., 57. 
(/ities, desolate, 17. 
ClaHin. IL B. & Co., 34. 35. 
Clark. Henrv O., 36. 



8'J 



Clarke, Julius L., So. 

Clark, Lysander C, ;i.5. 

Clark, v'^awyer & Co., o4, o(!. 

Clark ^*c Saiiford, 06. 

Clarke, J. H. & Co., ;-56. 

Classical tastes, piovided for, 28. 

Coins and Medals, insaucave re- 
minders, 72. 

Collation served by L. Shumway, 44. 

Collections of The Worcester Society 
of Antiquity, action concern- 
ing, 51. 

Corains, Edward I., li), 22, al, 52, 56. 

Comniitte^s for l)iyl,4. 

Conimitcee appointed co arrange for a 
trip to the Xipmuck Country, 89. 

Committee on adtlitional Ilooni, 56. 

Cook, Nort(m L., 1'.). 20, 22, 38, 51, 
52, 54, 56. 

Compound, the, ;32. 

Coolidge, Nathaniel, 31. 

Corbett, Otis, 2<J, 31. 

Correspondence, 02, 03. 

Cort, John. 40. 

Crane, Ellery B., 11, 19. 20. 22. 38, 
52, 53, 54, 50, 08. 

Crawford, R., 20. 

Critical point passed, 11, 

Crowell, (JL'orge E,, 24. 

Curtis, Albert, 11, 54. 

Cut nails, where iirst made, 41. 

Cutler, ('harks. :>'.). 



1) 



Daniels, George F., 31), 40, 43. 
Davis, Hon. John, 33, 
Dawson, Henry B.. 20. 
Dc Costa, B. F"., 57. 
Denny, Mrs. Elizabeth, 32. 
Denholm & McKay, 36. 
Departments of Work, 5. 
Department Reports, 05, 07, 01), 70. 
Dickinson, Thos. A. 19, 20, 22, 52. 54. 
Dickinson, Capt. Thomas, 59. 
Dickinson, Col. Thomas W. 57, 58, 

59, 61. 
Dickinson, Rev. Rodolphus. 01. 
Dickinson, William, 31. 
DLx, Dr. Elijah, 2s, 3,5. 
Dix. Elijah k; Son, 27, 29. 
Donations in 1876, 11. 
Donations, list of, 75. 
Dodge, Beni. J., 19. 22, 38, 52, 54,50. 
Dotv, Edward. 22. 



Dry goods store, earliest, 27. 
Dry goods dealers of Worcester — 

Bancroft, Eliza, 22. 

Barnard, Sumner & Co., 35. 

Bryant,, (jeorge P. & Co., 3(). 

Chamberlin, Henrv H,, 35. 

ClaHm, H. B. & Co.. 34. 

Clark, Henry O., 36. 

Clarke, Julius Ij., 35. 

Clark, Lysander C, 35. 

Clark & "Sanford, 30. 

Clarke, J. H. & Co., 36. 

Denholm & McKay, 36. 

Denny, Mrs, Elizabeth, 32. 

Fiiday, Lawson & Kennedy, 30. 

Flagg & W^yraan, 30. 

(4ross & Strauss, 30. 

Hall & Thompson, 30. 

Hardou, B. L. & Co., 34. 

Hardon, Hunt & Co., 34. 

Jenkins, Hamilton & Co., 34. 

Lee, Francis C, 36. 

Lyon, Capt. John, 27. 

Messinger, David S., ,35. 

Messingcr & Dean, 35. 

Xewcomb, J. C, 36. 

Pinkham, J. S., 30, 

Rawson & Farrar, 35. 

Richardson & Estabrook, 35, 

Sanger, E, & R„ 35. 

vStovve, Martin, 30. 

Thompson, A. Y., 30, 

Upton, Charles A., 30. 

Upton, L H. & Co., 36. 

Witherell, IL H., 30. 



Earle & Chase, 31. 

Earle, John Milton. 31. 

Early Records of the Town of Wor- 
cester, 07, 09. 

Easton, Col, Mott, 58. 

Eaton, Nathaniel, 31. 

Eaton, William, 31. 

Election Sermons, rare colleccion, 51. 

Emmons, Rev. A, B., 41. 

Encouragement received, 14. 

Estabrook & Howe, 33. 

Esty, James L., 19, 22, 38, 51, 52, .54. 

Executive Committee authorized to 
arrange for an excursion to the 
Huguenot ruins in Oxford, 27. 

Explorers of the Xipmuck Country, 
their courage increased, 44. 



83 



F 



r;!.\on, (i. L, o4, (J2. 

Feiino, William D., 17. 

Field, David, TjS, 60. 

Financial success, I'S. 

Finlay, Lawson 61: Keiincdy^oG. " 

First nicetnisi; of the Society of An 

tiquitv in Bank l>lock, 11. 
Fiske, Dr." Oliver, 27. 211, ;](). 
Flagg, Abel, 17. 
Flags>'. Benjamin. 17. 
Flaog, Elisha. ;!1. 
Flagg, Enoch, :il. 
Flagg it Wyman, ;>(!. 
Foxcroft, John, 28. 
Fund needed, i;?. 
• 
(i 

(ia-e, Rev. Harlan V. 22. 
(iarrigue, Kudoli^h, 20. 
Gates, Asa, 17, 
(rates, Levi, 17. 
(ileason, John, 17. 
(iough, John E., 1."). 
(rreen, James, ;',;5. 
(h-een, James N: Co., 21), ;>:!. ;>7. 
(ircen, Dv. John, 17. 
(ireen, William E., 17. 
(ireen Store, location of. ;!;'.. 
Gross & Strauss. Sd. 



II 



Hall, Gov. Ililand. .-)7. 

Hall & Thompson, :M'>. 

Hamilton, Capt. Asa. 27. 20. ol . ;!5. 

Hamilton. C. Willard, ;!4. 

Haidon, E. L. & Co.. ;!4. 

Hardon, Brown & Co., I!4. 

Hardon. Hunt & Co.. 34. 

Hardv, Elbridge. 2:5. 

Harlow, William T., 52. 

Harrington, ^^'illianl, 17, .'52. 

Harris, Clarendon. ;')0. 

Hathaway Tavern, location of, ■'?;], 34. 

Haywood, Henry, 17. 

Heraldic Croats of Arms, paper on, 

read by E. B. Crane. .•')2. 
Heard ic Estabrook. ;?;>. 
Heard & Manning. ;5;?. 
Henshaw, David, 2S. 
Heywood, Daniel, 32. 
Hevwood. Faine & I'aine, ;52. 



Huguenot Church & Burial Placc,44. 
Huguenot Fort, location of, 41, de- 

scrijjtion of, 42. 
Humphrey, Ebenezer, 43, 44. 
Hyde, Lieut. Fred. G., IS), 21, 40. 



Importers of Worcester, 2i), 31. 

Indian atrocity, GO. 

Indian ^Massacre in Oxford, 43. 

Inter-Oceanic Canal, subject of, pre- 
sented by John E. Russell, li). 20. 

Invitation for first meeting of the So- 
cietv, when issued. 10. 



J 



Jenkins, Hamilton & Co., 34. 

Jenuison, Samuel, 33. 

Jillson, Hon. CUark, 12, 18, 19, 21, 

22, 38, 52, 54, 50, 69. Declined 

re-election as president, 54. 
Jillson. Frank C, 19, 20, 22, 38, 51, 

ot;. 
Johounol, Daniel, 43. 
Johnson, Charles R. 11, 19, 20, 22, 

o2, .53, .54, 55, 56. 
Johnson, John. 42. 
Johnson, Theodore S., 22. 
Jones, John, 17. 



Ketchum, Rev. Silas, remarks of, 12 
elected an honorary member, 19 
communication from, read, 21 
liis death announced, 22 ; when 
ordained, 23 ; his society con- 
nections, 24 ; his publications, 
25 ; characteristics of, 25 ; as a 
minister, 2G ; his last letter, 87. 

Ketchum, Mrs. Georgia C, 23. 

Kettell, John P., 33, :57. 

Kinney, Frank J., 51, 52, 54. 

Kinnicut & Co., 37. 

Knight, Charles B., 21. 

Kohlmann, Jacob, blacksmith and 
artist, 22. 



L 



Lamb, Thomas IVL, 19, 20, 22. 
Lawrence, Edward R.. 19, 22, 38, 
51, 52, 54. 



84 



Lee, Francis 0,, 36. 

Lee, Pardon A., 20, 22, 38, 51, 52, 54. 

Letters read, 54. 

Letter of Kev. Silas Kctchum, the 
last received, 87. 

Librarian's Report, 75. 

Library, extent of, 12. 

Life on an American Man of War, bv 
Lieut, llvde, 21. 

Lilley, David, 41. 

Lilley, Lewis, 41. 

Lincoln, Dr. Abraham, 30. 

Lincoln John W. 29, 33. 

Lincoln, Levi Sen., 30. 

Lincoln, Hon. Levi, 31, 33. 

Local History and Genealogy, Re- 
port, (37. 

Lovell, Albert A., 9, 12, 18, 19, 20, 
22, 38, 39, 52, 54, 56, 62, 75. 

Lovell, C\rus. 17. 

Lovell, David, 17. 

Lovell, Joseph, 22, 27, 52. 

Lyon, Capt. John, 27. 



M 



Monument to pommemorate the John- 
son massacre, 43. 
Moore, Levi, 17. 
Murray, -Col. Seth, 61. 



N 



Nazro, John, 27, 29. 
i Nazro Mansion, location of, 29, 32. 
j Newcomb, C. J., 36. 
I New Hampshire Antiquarian Soci- 
j ety, 12, 13, 26 ; hospitality of, 13 ; 

j origin of, 24. 

Newton, Isaac, 61. 
I Nipmuck Country, account of a visit 
j to the, 39 ; its ancient name, 40 ; 

[ description of, 40. 



O 



Oiiicers for 1881, 3; elected, 54. 
Old Business Houses and their suc- 
cessors, 37. 
Our duty, 16. 



Maccartv. Nathaniel, 28, 31. 

Mail Stages, 34. 

Mann, Albert G., 19. 

Manning, William Jr., 33. 

Marble. Albert R, 27. 

Marshall, Elijah R., 19, 20, 22, 51, 

.54, '>(]. 
Mayo, Samuel, 41. 
Manufacturing establishment, first in 

Southern Worcester, 41. 
Marvlaud Historical Societv, 53. 
McFarland, Ira, 17. 
Members elected, 19, 21, 27, 3S, 51, 

52. 
Members, a duty of, 69. 
Members, number of at close of first 

and second year, 11. 
Memorial Address, bv Clark Jillson. 

22. 
ilercantile honor, example of, 33. 
Merriam, Olin L., 22, 54. 
Merchants of Worcester in ISOO, 27. 
Merrick Francis T., 32. 
Messinger David S., 35. 
Messmger & Dean, 35. 
Miller, Ilenrv W.. 31, 37. 
Miller, John," :',]. 
Mill site of the Huguenots, 40. 



Paine, Frederick W., 32. 

Paine, Gardiner, 32. 

Paine, Hon. Nathaniel, 32. 

Paine, Nachaniel, 38. 54, 

Paine, Dr. S. C, 40. 

Parker, Henry, 17. 

Patent Medicines in 1810, 29. 

Peck, Augustus E., 19. 

Pen-and-ink Sketch, Kohlmann, 22. 

Personal recollect'ns, Chamberlin, 30. 

Phelps, Henry, 19, 73. 

Phelps, Captain, 58. 

Phelps, Hon. James IL, 52. 

Pierpont, Rev. John, 62. 

Peirce, Hon. II. B,, donation from, 52. 

Pmkham, J. S., 36. 

Plaisted, John W., 41. 

I'lummer, Israel, 34. 

Pocumtiiek Valley Memorial Associ- 
ation, 60. 

Poem, by Ci;uk Jillson, 55. 

Poem on NipmvLck Land, 45. 

Population of Worcester and Wor- 
cester ('ountv in 1800, 27 ; 1810. 
28; 1820, 29; 1830, 34; 1840, 
35; 1850, ;^6 ; 1860, 36; 1870, 
37; 1875, 38. 



85 



Postmaster, tiist, of Worcester, 28, 

Postmaster in ISOl. 2S. 

I'ost Riders, ;U. 

Potter, IJnrtoii "W., l',», 20, 22. 

Powder horns of the revolution, (!0. 

Pratt & Earle, ;5.S. 

Pratt, Joseph, ;54, 38. ' 

Pratt N; Inmau, ;54, 158. 

Pre-llistorie eivili/ation, IG. 

Prentiss. Addison, 20. 

I'resident pro tern, elected, ol. 

Printinn of the Society, 12. 

Proprietor's Records of the Town of 

Worcester, (IS. 
I'ublication Committee, action con- 

eernin!?, .51 ; appointed, .")2. 
]*ul)liciitions of the Society, list of, G ; 

their influence. 12. 



R 



Rawson & Farrar, ;'.."). 

Records of the Proprietors of the 
Town of NS'orcester, authority 
to publish, voted, ;''J. 

Re^dster of deeds from IsK; to 1821, 
;!0. 

Relies, (Joins and (.'uriosities, Report, 
70. 

Relations with other societies, 12. 

Resohition adopted, on the services 
of John E. Russell Es(i., 21. 

Ki'soliitions adopted upon the retire- 
ment from office, of President 
.lillson and Secretary Seagrave, 
80. 

Revolutionary powder horns. 71. 

Revolution, darkest period of, 00. 

Rice, Edward II., 21. 

Rice, Franklin P., Ls. Ill, 20, 22, :!S, 
;?!), r>\, 53, .54, 50, OS; author- 
iz.ed to edit and publish the Pro- 
prietor's Records, 3!*. 

Rice, Georo-e T., 37. 

Rice & Miller, 31, 37. 

Rich, Peter, 30. 

Richardson & Estabrook, 35. 

Richardson. Seneca M., 2i». 

Robinson, Dr. .Jeremiah, 29, .'il, 35. 

Roe, Prof. Alfred S., 52, 51. 50. 

Russell. John E., IS. I'.l. 20. 21. 



S 



Saccarappa, an account of. 11. 



Salisbury, Stephen ^r., 27, 2S, 2!>, 30. 
Salisbury, Hon, Stc^phen, 11. 
Salisbury, Stephen Jr. 11. 
Sawyer, E 6v; K., ;)5. 
Sawyer Stephen, 34. 
Sehlieman Dr., sketch of, by 11. 11. 
, ^ Chamberlin, 20. 
Scott, Nelson R., 20, 22, 54, oG. 
Scythe factory at Saccarappa, 41. 
Seagrave, Daniel, 22, 38, 51, 52, 54, 

5(!, 62, 03 ; declines re-election 

as Secretary, 54. 
Secretary elected, 01. 
Secretary pro tem chosen, !l. 
Separation of the Departments of 

Rusinfss, 34. 
Ses(iui-Centennial C'elebration of 

Raltimore, 53. 
Sheldon. Hon. George, 54, 57 ; letter 

of, 50 ; paper bv, 57. 
Shunnvay, H. L., lli, 20, 22, 39, 42, 

52, 54, 50 ; elected Secretary, 61. 
Shumway, Loriston, 41, 44. 
Sigourney, Andrew, 43. 
Sigourney, Susiin, 43. 
Sikes Henry ]\I., 33. 
Sikes' Tavern, 29, 
Smith, Henry M., ;',8, 44, 45, 52, 54, 

50, 74. 

Smith, James A., 19, 20, 22, 38, 51, 
52, 54, 50, 74. 

Smith, William A., 38, 51, 54, 

Society the, design of, 10 ; name 
unique, 10 ; started without fund 
or library, i;5 ; its perpetuity es- 
tablished, 13. 

Sprague, Gen. Augustiis 15. 11., 51. 

Staples, Samuel E., 18, 19, 20, 22, 38, 

51, 52, 54, 55, 50, 01, 02. 
St. Glair, General, (il. 

St. John, Rev. Thomas E., 3S, 52, 54 ; 

letter of, 03. 
Stickney, Thomas, 27, 29. 
Stiles \;" Ibitman, 32. 
Stiles, Mrs. Francis, donation from, 

52. 
Stone. Augustus. 19. 54. 50. 
Stowe, ]\Iartin, ;50. 
Stratton, Joel D., 15. 
Sumner, George. 19. 20, 22. 38. 54. 



T 



'I'an yard vats, 33. 



SG 



The Hero of Harper's Ferry, a poem 
by Clark Jillsoii, 55. 

The Trade of Worcester duiing the 
present ceufury, by Henry PI. 
(Jhamberlin, 27. 

Thomas' Coffee House, 2U. 

Thomas, Isaiah, 28, 2'J, 30. 

Thompson, Alexander Y., 3fi. 

Thompson, Eben. F., 4-1:. 

Thompson, Edward H., 5G, 62. 

Tillinghast, C. U., 19. 

Tolraan, Albert, 22, 54; invited to 
read a papei', 52. 

Towne, Dr. Deane, 19, 20. 

Treasurer's receijits in 1<S76, 11 ; an- 
nual report, 74. 

Trumbull, (ieorge A., 30. 

Trumbull, Joseph, Commissary, GO. 

Tucker, Ephraim, 19, 38, 54. 

Tucker, Mrs. iMilton, donation of, 71. 

U 

United States Hotel, 32. 
Upton, Charles A., 36. 
Upton, I. H. & Co., 36. 



V 



Vivian, Col. John L., 54. 

Vote of thanks to Clark Jillson, IS ; 

John E. llussell Esq., 19 ; Henry 

H. Charaberlin, 20, 27 ; lieut. 

Fred. G. Hyde, 21 ; Samuel H. 

Putnam, 22 ; Franklin P. llice, 



39 ; C. B. Tillini^hast, 51 ; E. B. 
Crane, 52 ; Stephen SalisburY Jr. 
53 ; Hon. George Sheldon, 61. 
Vottier, A. Gaspare!, 33. 

W 

Waldo, Daniel Jr., 27, 28, 29, 31, 33, 

37. 
Waklo, Daniel Sr., 37. 
Walker, Asa, 38. 
Ward, Col. Samuel, 31. 
^^'ards worth, Jeremiah, 60. 
Washburn & Goddard, 33. 
Washburn & Moen ■\\ire works, germ 

of, 34. 
Washington, General, 60. 
Washington Square Canal Basin. 32. 
Webster, Daniel, honu' of, 24. 
Well, at Huguenot Fort, 42. 
Wells, Lieut". Thomas. 60. 
W^itherell, H. 11., 36. 
Wheeler, Charles, 33. 
Wheelock, Jerome, 27. 
White, Luther, 17. 
Who took Ticonderoga, a paper by 

Hon. George Sheldon, 57. 
Wilson, Hon. Henry, 25. 
Wilson, Dea. James, 28, 33. 
Wood, Jonathan, 31. 
Worcester Bank, 33. 
Worcester Hotel, 32. 
Worcester in 1800, 27 ; in 1822, 30 ; 

prospects of growth, 38. 
W^ork, most important, 13. 






87 



i Rev. SiLiVS Ketchum, 

% 1)Oi:n at 1)\ki:k. \ kijm.int. Dkckmiikk 1, 183;) ; 

§! DiK!) IN Bosrox. Mass., An;iK 21. ISXi). 



7//.S l:i.st Lcller to llie Wdrccxter Sorichi of Aiithinitij. 

;.... AViNDsoH, C"t., .Mar. 31, ISSO, 

Dkak sir: — • Your favor inlbrinini;- me of my election as an Honorary 
member of The \\'oreester Society of Anti([uity is a renewed evidence 
of the honor and contidence l)esto^^■ed ^ipon me by my brethren the 
Antiquaries of ^Vorcester. As siich I receive it and hold their testi- 
mony in hiiih esteem ; the more so since, wliere I desired and design- 
ed to do much, I \va\c (by reason of my continued infirmities) been 
able to do so little. 

The Society has honored me, and in my hearl I honor the Society; 
and this lieeause, in the face of many discouragements, it has taken up 
a line of Mork not hitherto prosecuted in Massachusetts, has wrought 

s| with commendable diligence, and with conspicuous success. 

P Should health or strength return to me, I shall esteem it a pleasure 
to serve the Society in every -svay I can, and shall endeavor to show 

jE myself its fellow- worker and obedient servant. Convey to the mem-j^| 

K bers, and accept for yourself, assurances of my hii;h personal esteem. 

SILAS KETCHUM. 

A. A. I.OVELL, Es(t. 

Sr,(;. PRO TEM. 

B 






88 



A U D 1 r I () X A L .M i: M 15 E 11 S , 



Jkkome "NVheelock. 


Worcester 


May 


4 


At.bekt Pkxscott Marble. 


" 


•> 




W*nx.iAM A. SXUTH. 


» 


June 


1 


FrJLXK J. KlXXEY. 


" 


September 


1 


Edwix Axes. 


•' 


October 





Theopore C. Bates. 


" 


January 


4: 


Edgar W. Warrex. 


t( 




" 


Recbex Coltox. 


" 




•' 



1880 



1S81 



CORRESPOXDIX(i 



George L. Faxox. Spencer Mass. October 

Ret. Thomas E. St. Johx. Aubiim X. Y. November 



1880 



noxcni AiiY. 



IIox. James H. Phelps. West To^^^lshencl Vt. Xovcmbcr 
Hox. Byrox Westox. Dalton Mass. Janmirv 



1881 




